Fatal sepsis due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a serious, but rare infectious complication after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. We describe a case of fatal sepsis due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL. The diagnosis was made after BAL. Although broad-spectrum antituberculous therapy was started immediately after diagnosis, blood cultures became positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient developed severe pyrexias and finally died of multi-organ failure. Rapid progression of mycobacterial infection should he considered in patients post BMT with unexplained fever, particularly in patients from endemic areas.