Disseminated mycobacterium genavense infection with central nervous system involvement in an HIV patient: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Immunodeficient patients, particularly HIV patients, are at risk of opportunistic infections. Nontuberculous mycobacteria can cause severe complications in immunodeficient patients. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 57-year-old HIV patient, primarily presented with coughs and constitutional symptoms, with a unique Mycobacterium genavense abdominal, pulmonary, and central nervous system infection, accompanied by intracranial masses. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of NTM, including M. genavense, must always be considered by clinicians in immunodeficient patients, especially those with HIV, who have a compromised immune system.