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Mycobacterium chimaera: infections linked to heater cooler units

Guidance for healthcare professionals on infection control and clinical aspects of M. chimaera infection associated with cardiopulmonary bypass.

From:
UK Health Security Agency
Published
9 June 2015
Last updated
16 February 2024 — See all updates

Mycobacterium chimaera (M. chimaera) is an environmental non-tuberculous mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium avium complex. It has been recognised as a cause of endocarditis, severe disseminated infection and chronic sternal wound infection in patients who have undergone cardiothoracic surgery.

M. chimaera may manifest many years after surgery undertaken on bypass. Investigations in multiple countries shows this is likely to be transmitted from heater cooler units, which are part of the cardiopulmonary bypass equipment.

The risk of infection is low (see updated risk assessment) and control measures are already in place. However, M. chimaera infection can have an insidious and non-specific presentation, is not always identified through conventional microbiology, and requires specific treatment.

As of 24 January 2024, there were 50 cases of M. chimaera infection following surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass, of which 39 were known to have died. The median interval between surgery and diagnosis is 24 months but ranges from less than 1 to 154 months.

Guidance for healthcare providers and health professionals

Published 9 June 2015
Last updated 16 February 2024 + show all updates

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