Mycobacterium chimaera: A novel pathogen with potential risk to cardiac surgical patients

Mycobacterium chimaera was first described in 2004, coming to prominence in 2011 with reports from across the globe of invasive infections following cardiac surgery. This outbreak was linked to a specific type of heater cooler machine used for cardiac surgery by whole-genome sequencing. We briefly outline what is currently known about this pathogen, highlighting the importance of clinical vigilance and the diagnostic options for the clinician.