Two children with macrolide-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus infections, a challenging and often refractory condition, were successfully treated. The first case involved a cystic fibrosis patient with chronic pulmonary infection, and the second, a child with disseminated infection post-transplant. Diagnosis was confirmed through culture and molecular methods, revealing macrolide resistance. Both patients received multi-drug regimens, notably including dual β-lactams and adjunctive phage therapy, which led to significant clinical improvement and microbiological clearance. This innovative approach highlights the potential for combination therapies, including bacteriophages, in managing highly resistant and difficult-to-treat NTM infections in pediatric populations.
Key note: Novel multi-drug regimens, including dual β-lactams and phage therapy, can effectively treat macrolide-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus infections.