A Case of Multidrug-Resistant Monoarticular Joint Tuberculosis in a Renal Transplant Recipient

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common opportunistic infection after renal transplantation. The risk of TB in renal transplant recipients is reported to be 20 to 74 times higher than in the general population. Although extrapulmonary TB occurs frequently, isolated ankle joint TB is a rare form of extrapulmonary TB infection. It is often difficult to diagnose because of its atypical presentation; management is complex, especially with multidrug-resistant TB, the need for a prolonged course of therapy, and the risks of drug interactions and drug toxicity. We report herein a case of a 60-year-old female renal allograft recipient who developed multidrug-resistant ankle joint TB 11 months after her deceased donor renal transplantation. She presented to the emergency department with escalating pain and swelling of the left ankle, difficulty in ambulation, and a low-grade fever. An x-ray of the ankle revealed an effusion and soft tissue swelling. A synovial fluid culture was performed which tested positive for acid fast bacilli which grew a multidrug-resistant form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. She was initially treated with isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide; then therapy was tailored secondary to the resistant nature of the organism. She received a combination of extensive debridement of the joint and institution of second-line anti-TB therapy with pyrazinamide, ethambutol, moxifloxacin, and ethionamide. To our knowledge, no other cases of multidrug-resistant TB have been reported in the literature after renal transplantation. This case shows both an atypical presentation of TB and the difficulties in managing a transplant patient with this disease.     

Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection Incidence in Hospitalized Renal Transplant Patients in the United States, 1998–2000

The incidence, risk factors, and prognosis for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection have not been reported in a national population of renal transplant recipients. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 15,870 Medicare patients who received renal transplants from January 1, 1998 to July 31, 2000. Cox regression analysis derived adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) for factors associated with a diagnosis of MTB infection (by Medicare Institutional Claims) and the association of MTB infection with survival. There were 66 renal transplant recipients diagnosed with tuberculosis infection after transplant (2.5 cases per 1000 person years at risk, with some falling off of cases over time). The most common diagnosis was pulmonary TB (41 cases). In Cox regression analysis, only systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was independently associated with TB. Mortality after TB was diagnosed was 23% at 1 year, which was significantly higher than in renal transplant recipients without TB (AHR, 4.13, 95% CI, 2.21, 7.71, p < 0.001). Although uncommon, MTB infection is associated with a substantially increased risk of mortality after renal transplantation. High-risk groups, particularly those with SLE prior to transplant, might benefit from intensified screening.     

Tuberculosis in Thai renal transplant recipients: a 15-year experience

OBJECTIVE: Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients, especially in developing countries. Its incidence and characteristics remain unknown in Thai recipients. This study sought to determine the incidence, characteristics, risk factors, and outcome of TB in Thailand. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed case records of all renal transplant recipients from 1992 to 2007 to record demographic information, transplant characteristics, median time to diagnosis of TB, and outcomes. RESULTS: Among 270 recipients, 9 (3.84%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18%-5.49%) developed TB. Their median age was 40 years (range = 23-62 years) and median time from transplantation to diagnosis was 36 months (range = 4-115 months). Although pulmonary TB was the most common form (56%), 2 patients (22%) developed extrapulmonary disease. Disseminated TB occurred in 2 patients (22%). The diagnosis was made on respiratory specimen cultures in 3 cases (33.3%) and body fluid cultures in 3 (33.3%). Five patients (55.6%) were successfully treated with four-drug combination therapy. Two of the other subjects (22.2%) who received triple therapy were noncompliant, succumbing to graft failure and sepsis. Blood group AB (odds ratio [OR] 10.95, 95% CI 1.57-76.60) and use of tacrolimus rescue therapy (OR 9.68, 95% CI 2.13-43.94) were associated with an elevated risk of TB. CONCLUSION: TB is common among Thai renal transplant recipients with an incidence 27 times higher than that of the general Thai population. The extrapulmonary form in particular occurs more frequently with an increased risk of mortality.     

Tuberculosis in southern Chinese renal‐transplant recipients

Abstract: Objectives: To analyze the characteristics of tuberculosis (TB) in Southern Chinese renal transplant recipients, and summarize the corresponding experiences in diagnosis and management. Method: Retrospectively study 41 documented post‐transplant TB cases out of the 2333 patients who received kidney transplantation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University between Jan. 1991 and Apr. 2007. Results: TB in the post‐renal‐transplant population in Southern China displayed the following characteristics: (i) high incidence within a short time after transplantation, the median interval between renal transplantation and diagnosis of TB was 8 months (range: 1‐156 months) and 56.1% were diagnosed within the first year post‐transplant; (ii) high prevalence (51.2%) of extra‐pulmonary tuberculosis; (iii) high co‐infection rate (19.5%), pathogens included candida albicans, pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter haemolyticus and cytomegalovirus; (iv) fever (82.9%), cough (56.1%) and sputum (39.0%) are the most common clinical manifestations; (v) purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD) skin test had little diagnostic value in this group with a negative result in all 41 cases; (vi) acute rejection (29.3%) and liver function damage (17.1%) were the main adverse effects of anti‐tuberculosis chemotherapy; (vii) mortality of patients with post‐transplant tuberculosis reached up to 22.0%. Conclusions: Chinese renal transplant recipients face a high risk of TB because of their immuno‐compromised state and epidemiological prevalence of the disease. Therefore, attention should be given to this differential diagnosis in clinical practice. Balancing the benefits and disadvantages of anti‐tuberculosis chemotherapy is of importance for this specific population.     

Tuberculosis in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Brazilian Center Registry

Renal transplant recipients receiving immunosuppression show an increased risk for developing opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis (TB). TB represents the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world, mainly in underdeveloped countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of TB and its presentation among renal transplant recipients over 20 years.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective analysis included medical records of renal transplant recipients from January 1984 to April 2007.

Results

Among 1342 renal transplant recipients, 31 received treatment for TB due to clinical disease (n = 23) or prophylaxis (n = 8). The overall incidence of TB was 1.71%, which was diagnosed at 53 ± 49 months posttransplantation. The indications for TB prophylaxis were a previous history of TB (n = 6) or direct contact with a TB carrier (n = 1). The most common clinical presentation was extrapulmonary (n = 13). The classical treatment was effective in 16 cases. However, 7 cases of resistant TB required ethambutol added to therapy. Adverse events of treatment included liver toxicity (n = 1) and peripheral neuropathy (n = 1). Three patients died due to TB-related complications. Graft loss was observed in 3 patients after cessation of TB treatment. None of the patients on prophylaxis developed clinical disease.

Conclusions

TB incidence was significantly greater among renal transplant recipients compared with the local population, with a higher incidence of extrapulmonary disease. TB prophylaxis in selected cases was effective, avoiding new infections.     

Prevalence and manifestations of tuberculosis in renal transplant recipients: a single-center experience in Thailand

This retrospective review presented the prevalence and manifestations of tuberculosis among renal transplant recipients in our center between 1987 and mid 2007. The prevalence of tuberculosis was 5/151 (3.3%) recipients with a median age of 49 years (range = 38-55). The median time of diagnosis after transplantation was 23 months (range = 1-47). All five patients had pulmonary tuberculosis. None developed extrapulmonary infection. Presenting symptoms were fever (60%), productive cough (80%), weight loss (40%), and hemoptysis (20%). One patient had non-parathyroid-related hypercalcemia. Cyclosporine dosage needed to be increased in all patients. Two subjects who experienced side effects of hepatitis and/or jaundice from rifampicin were switched to second-line drugs. Infection with Mycobacterial tuberculosis is a not uncommon problem in renal transplant recipients especially in endemic areas. Tuberculosis must be excluded for immunosuppressed patients with clinical or radiological suspicion.     

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in solid organ transplant recipients: experience from a single center in China

OBJECTIVE: We sought to explore the prevalence, clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures, and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) after solid organ transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed data of 1947 renal transplant recipients and 85 liver transplant recipients. RESULTS: TB developed in 28 organ transplant recipients with a prevalence of 1.38% (28/2032). The median interval between transplantation and development of TB was 32 months (range, 1-142 months). Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolation, histologic signs of caseating granulomas, and TB-DNA detection directly supported the diagnosis in 10 (35.71%), 7 (25.00%), and 5 (17.86%) patients, respectively. In addition, 6 patients (21.43%) highly suspected of TB infection received tentative antituberculosis treatment with favorable responses. Most renal transplant recipients (22/25; 78.57%) received isoniazid, rifampicin (or rifabutin), and ethambutal (or pyrazinamide) for a mean duration of 10 months (range, 6-14 months). Three liver transplant recipients received a different protocol: isoniazid, rifabutin, ethambutal, and ofloxacin for 3 months; then isoniazid and rifabutin for 6 months. Upon follow-up, 8 subjects (28.57%) died; 5 of the deaths were related to TB. During the antituberculosis therapy, toxic hepatitis was seen in 12 patients (42.86%); cyclosporine levels decreased in 15 patients (53.57%); and allograft rejection developed in 6 of them. CONCLUSIONS: The peak incidences of TB in liver and kidney transplantations are in the first year and after the first year posttransplantation, respectively. Response to antituberculosis treatment should be considered to make a diagnosis among patients highly suspected of TB infections. Except in special circumstances, antituberculosis treatment protocols including isoniazid and rifampicin for about 10 months seem significantly effective and tolerable for non-liver transplant patients. Fluoroquinolones should be emphasized in posttransplantation TB treatment.     

Tuberculosis in Iranian kidney transplant recipients: a single-center experience

INTRODUCTION: Renal transplantation recipients are at a high risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) following transplantation, especially in developing countries, with high incidences of morbidity and mortality. In this report, we examined the risk factors and impact of TB on the outcome of kidney transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among 1350 living donor Iranian kidney transplantations, 52 (3.9%) had TB diagnosed in various organs. Of these, 7 (13.5%) had TB pretransplantation and 40 (76.9%) were men. The overall mean age was 32.6 +/- 10.5 years. RESULTS: The interval between transplantation and diagnosis was 54.6 +/- 48.23 (range 4 to 140) months. In 34 (65.6%) patients TB was diagnosed after the first year posttransplantation. Pleuro/pulmonary TB was the most common form (68%). All posttransplant TB patients received a quadriple antituberculosis therapy; pyrazinamide, rifampicin, ethambutol, and isoniazide). Hepatotoxicity was seen in 16 (30%) patients, including 12 mild cases with normalization after temporary withdrawal of isoniazide and rifampicin, and four were severe, but mortality was not attributable to hepatocellular failure. Twelve patients (23%) died. Chronic allograft dysfunction occurred in 34 (65%) patients, 19 (37%) with graft loss. Pre-TB patients showed comparable posttransplant courses. CONCLUSION: TB is a common infection among renal transplant recipients in developing countries. The peak incidence is after the first year of transplantation and mortality is considerable. Hepatoxicity is a considerable risk of treatment, possibly as a result of additive toxic effects of immunosuppressive drugs. Chronic allograft nephropathy is a serious complication that has a negative impact on the graft survival.     

Bone graft tuberculosis outbreak in USA: Is it a concern in India?

Globally, 25% of the population is infected with tuberculosis, which poses a leading cause of death worldwide. The transmission of tuberculosis (TB) during organ transplant is reported in the literature whereas only one report has been published on the transmission of TB, during bone allograft transplantation. In the US, in May 2021, an outbreak of TB occurred in patients undergoing spine surgery with bone allograft. This bone graft was retrieved from 80 years deceased donor with latent TB, which was not diagnosed earlier. The recipients were started with a long course of anti-tuberculous drugs. This review narrates the pathway of TB spread among transplant recipients and the strategies to be followed while performing organ or tissue transplantation.     

Tuberculosis after renal transplantation

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem in our country. Its diagnosis in immunodeficient patients is difficult. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the prevalence, clinical presentation, and outcome of TB after renal transplantation (RT) in our Tunisian team's experience. Among 359 renal transplant recipients, 9 (2.5%) developed TB at 49.6 months (range, 3-156 months) after RT. There were 7 men and 2 women of mean age 37.8 years (range, 15-53 years). The organs involved included lymph nodes in 1 case; lung in 5 cases; genitourinary system in 1 case; rachis in 1 case; pleural in 1 case; and both pulmonary and urinary systems in 1 case. The diagnosis was bacteriologic in 6 cases; histologic in 1 case; and 2 patients had a high index of suspicion. All patients were treated with a combination of rifampicin, isoniazide, pyrazinamide, and ethambutal. Recurrence of TB infection was noted in 3 cases with multiple localizations: lymph node, muscle abscess, meningitis, genitourinary system, rachis, and lung. Two patients died. In conclusion, among renal transplant patients, extrapulmonary involvement and recurrence of TB were frequent.     

Tuberculous Sacroiliitis in a Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is the predominant infectious disease after solid organ transplantation worldwide, extrapulmonary involvement in the sacroiliac (SI) joint has never been reported in renal transplant patients. Herein we have described a 59-year-old man who presented with left hip pain and fever at 1 year after renal transplantation. He had a positive Patrick's test on the left hip, elevated serum C-reactive protein, and widening of left SI joint on pelvic radiograph. Although the initial workup including blood culture, acid-fast stain, and tumor markers was nonrevealing, whole body bone scan and magnetic resonance imaging were suggestive of left sacroiliitis. Surgical debridement with biopsy confirmed mycobacterium TB infection. After a complete course of anti-TB treatment, his symptoms significantly resolved. Given the inconspicuous and protean symptoms of extrapulmonary TB, a high index of suspicion for TB sacroiliitis in renal transplant recipients with unexplained hip pain is warranted for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.     

Tuberculous meningitis in a renal transplant recipient

Tuberculous meningitis is a very rare, but serious extrapulmonary complication of mycobacterial infections in immunocompromised patients, such as organ transplant recipients. We describe here a 66-year-old Turkish woman without any history of tuberculosis, who received a renal allograft transplant in 1994. After a pilgrimage to an endemic area for tuberculosis, she presented with fever and headache in August 1998. Clinical examination revealed positive meningism and hyperreflexia. Lymphocytosis was noted in her cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was detected by PCR within the CSF. Despite immediate triple antituberculosis therapy, the patient's clinical condition deteriorated rapidly, with the development of septic shock syndrome, and she died three weeks after admission due to cardiovascular and respiratory failure. Mycobacterial infections, including extrapulmonary manifestations, should thus be considered in all renal transplant recipients presenting with unexplained fever. Preventive therapy, i.e. isoniazid prophylaxis, may also be recommended for patients risking exposure in areas endemic for tuberculosis.     

Efficacy of isoniazid prophylaxis in renal allograft recipients

The efficacy of isoniazid (INH) prophylaxis in renal allograft recipients who are on long-term immunosuppression in a region highly prevalent for tuberculosis (TB) was studied. INH (300 mg/d in patients weighing more than 35 kg and 5 mg/kg/d in patients with <35 kg body weight) together with Pyridoxine 50 mg/d for 1 year was started in randomly assigned renal allograft recipients. Occurrence of clinical tuberculosis during the initial 2 years posttransplantation was observed in the risk group and patients at no risk. Risks were defined as acute rejection episodes and exposure to antirejection therapy, past history of TB completely or incompletely treated, radiological evidence of past tuberculosis, history of tuberculosis in close contacts. Among 480 patients registered in the study, INH prophylaxis was given to 219 randomly assigned renal allograft recipients. Results were compared among patients developing TB during the initial 2 years posttransplantation in both the groups. Risk factors were analyzed for comparison in both groups. No significant difference was observed in terms of past history of TB, TB in close contacts, episodes of acute rejection during the initial 3 months, and comorbidities such as cytomegalovirus infection, hepatitis C virus infection, and posttransplant diabetes. One patient from the INH group and 10 patients from the non-INH group developed TB during the initial 2 years posttransplantation (P < .0001). None of patients required discontinuation of INH. INH was observed to be safe and effective as a chemoprophylactic agent in renal allograft recipients.     

Challenge of tuberculosis in renal transplantation

There is very high incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in dialysis and renal transplant (RT) recipients in developing countries. Clinical manifestation of TB may be atypical or obscure in initial stages. Common clinical abnormalities include pyrexia, pulmonary infiltrates, exudative pleural effusion, and exudative ascites. Aggressive investigations must be done in patients with pyrexia, pulmonary abnormalities, scanty sputum, and weight loss. BAL and computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest should be done in such cases. Tuberculin skin test is not helpful in the majority of patients. New blood tests to quantitate PPD reactivity in vivo and tests to distinguish between latent M tuberculosis infection from BCG-induced reactivity have been devised recently. Side effects of anti-TB drugs, especially hepatitis, need close observation because of the frequent occurrence of viral hepatitis in such cases. Tests to confirm latent TB are desirable before starting chemoprophylaxis in RT recipients. INH prophylaxis cannot be recommended universally in all RT recipients.     

Laryngeal tuberculosis in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is the most common non-pyogenic infection encountered among renal transplant recipients in India. Although the lung is the most common site of involvement, a number of extrapulmonary organs can be involved. There is often a delay in diagnosis and institution of effective chemotherapy when there is an unusual site of involvement. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report two renal transplant recipients with laryngeal tuberculosis who presented with prolonged hoarseness of voice and painful dysphagia. Acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated on laryngeal biopsy and smear. Fever and pulmonary involvement were seen in only one patient. This is the first report of laryngeal tuberculosis in renal transplant recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal tuberculosis should be suspected in renal transplant recipients who develop hoarseness of voice and odynophagia. Demonstration of acid-fast bacilli on biopsy or smear obtained by direct laryngoscopy helps in determining the diagnosis.     

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and laboratory diagnosis in solid-organ transplant recipients

Tuberculosis (TB) is an unusual infection in transplant recipients. We evaluated (i) the frequency of TB, (ii) the duration to develop the TB infection, and (iii) clinical consequences, in 380 solid-organ recipients from January 1995 to December 2000. A total of 10 (2.63%) patients (eight renal, two liver transplant recipients) were found to have post-transplantation TB. The frequency of TB in this patient population is 8.5-fold higher than the prevalance in the general Turkish population. Tuberculosis developed within 2-33 months after transplantation, with a median of 15 months. In all of these 10 patients, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was isolated from the culture. All the patients continued to have low dose immunosuppressive treatment, and also quadriple antituberculosis treatment [isoniazid (INH), rifampin (RIF), pyrazinamide (PRZ) and ethambutol (ETB)] has been given. The two recipients had died of disseminated form of TB. Relapse was detected in one patient 6 months after the completion of the treatment. As post-transplant TB infection develops mostly within the first year after transplantation, clinicians should be more careful for early and fast diagnosis and treatment should be started immediately.     

Tuberculosis after renal transplantation: experience of one Turkish centre

Background: In this study, renal transplant recipients with tuberculosis of different organs, were retrospectively analysed with respect to prevalence, outcome and drug toxicity. Patients and methods: In 520 patients, 22 (4.2%) tuberculosis of various organs was diagnosed. The time interval between transplantation and diagnosis of tuberculosis was 44.4±33.5 (range 3-111) months. In 18 (82%) of the patients, tuberculosis was detected after the first year of transplantation. The most common form was pleuro/pulmonary tuberculosis (54%), and other localizations included jejunum, liver, bone, and urogenital tract. Results: Sixteen of the 22 patients responded favourably to the treatment and maintain excellent allograft function, whereas six patients (27.2%) died. Toxic hepatitis was seen in four (18%) patients, and one case was complicated with acute hepatocellular failure due to isoniazide (INH). However, of the 23 patients at risk of tuberculosis who had had INH prophylaxis for 1 year, neither tuberculosis, nor hepatotoxicity was observed. Conclusion: Tuberculosis is a common infection of renal transplant recipients in developing countries. The peak incidence is after the first year of transplantation and mortality is considerable. Hepatoxicity is a considerable risk of treatment, possibly as a result of additive toxic effects of immunosuppressive drugs.     

Tuberculosis in Egyptian kidney transplant recipients: study of clinical course and outcome

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is an important infection encountered post-transplantation especially in developing countries, with high incidences of morbidity and mortality. In this report, we study the risk factors and impact of TB on the outcome of kidney transplantation. METHODS: Of 1200 live-donor Egyptian kidney transplantations, 45 (3.8%) patients developed post-transplant TB. Of these, five had had TB pre-transplantation and 40 were male. The mean age was 32.6 +/- 10.5 years. Primary immunosuppression treatment for 39 (86.7%) patients was cyclosporine (CsA). RESULTS: The mean time interval between transplantation and TB diagnosis was 49.8 +/- 41.5 (range 2-180) months. In 86.7% of patients, TB was diagnosed one year post-transplantation. Urinary TB was the most common form (53%), while pleuropulmonary TB accounted for 38%. All post-transplant TB patients received a triple anti-tuberculous therapy (rifampicin, ethambutol and INH) with a favorable response in all but two patients who needed another 24-month course. Hepatotoxicity was seen in 11 patients, eight were mild with normalization after temporary withdrawal of rifampicin, and three cases were severe, but mortality was not attributable to hepatocellular failure. Twelve patients died, 11 of them due to unrelated causes. Chronic rejection occurred in more than half of the patients (55.6%), of whom 24 (96%) were CsA-treated, which can be attributed to rifampicin/CsA interaction. More than 35% of TB patients lost their graft as a result. Pre-transplant tuberculosis patients had a comparable post-transplant course. CONCLUSIONS: TB is a common infection in renal transplant recipients with a peak incidence occurring one year post-transplant. Chronic rejection is a serious complication that had a negative impact on the graft survival, especially in CsA-treated recipients. INH prophylaxis is safe in pre-transplant TB. The post-transplantation outcome in the pre-transplant tuberculosis patients is no different from non-TB patients.     

The high incidence of BK polyoma virus infection among renal transplant recipients in India

BK polyoma virus causes allograft dysfunction as a result of tubulo-interstitial nephritis in 2% to 5% of renal transplant recipients. The incidence of BK virus infection among renal transplant recipients in India is unknown. We used routine histologic examination, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy to retrospectively screen for BK polyoma virus in 414 renal allograft biopsy specimens from 321 transplant recipients presenting with allograft dysfunction. All patients had received a combination of cyclosporine, azathioprine, and prednisolone. A total of 30 biopsy specimens (9.3%) were positive for BK polyoma virus, suggesting a high incidence of this infection in Indian transplant recipients. BK virus infection coexisted with acute rejection in a majority of patients. This is the first report of this infection among Indian renal transplant recipients.     

Fatal primary multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in a heart transplant recipient

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) worldwide is currently on the rise, not only in the general population but also quite notably among immunosuppressed patients. Its incidence among patients undergoing antirejection therapy is considerably higher than in the general population, and heart transplant recipients have been found to carry the highest risk of TB. There are no reported data, however, on primary TB caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) in heart transplant recipients. We describe the case of a patient who developed active primary MDR TB following the reactivation of a latent tuberculous infection 6 months after transplantation. The patient was most likely infected by M. tuberculosis during a period of time he spent in prison 10 years before undergoing transplantation, but he never developed active tuberculosis, nor did he ever receive antituberculous medication prior to transplantation. Because of the atypical clinical presentation, establishment of the diagnosis was postponed, and the resistance pattern of the isolate grown from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens (resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin) led to treatment failure and a fatal outcome. The adoption of the most rapid diagnostic tools for the identification of M. tuberculosis and for a quick screening of drug-resistant isolates is urgently needed in those centers where organ transplantation is carried out. Received: 16 December 1997 Received after revision: 25 February 1998 Accepted: 16 March 1998