Case Commentary: Dual β-lactam as part of regimen to treat <i>Mycobacterium abscessus</i> lung disease

ABSTRACT Individuals with compromised lung function and immunity are susceptible to developing chronic Mycobacterium abscessus infection. Current treatment recommendations typically involve using one β-lactam antibiotic in combination with non-β-lactam antibiotics. However, a recent case study (B. Becken, K. M. Dousa, J. L. Johnson, S. M. Holland, and R. A. Bonomo, Antimicrob Agents Chemother 68:e00319-24, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.00319-24 ) demonstrated successful treatment of chronic M. abscessus lung disease in a child using two β-lactam antibiotics simultaneously. This commentary reviews the emerging evidence and outstanding questions regarding dual β-lactam therapy for M. abscessus infections.