Stem Cell Injections Linked to Drug-Resistant Infections in Three US Travelers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning regarding three individuals who contracted difficult-to-treat, drug-resistant infections after traveling to Mexico for stem-cell injections not approved in the United States.
The infections were caused by Mycobacterium abscessus, a bacterium related to tuberculosis and leprosy. This microbe commonly inhabits soil, water, and dust, occasionally contaminating medications and medical devices, leading to healthcare-associated infections.
Symptoms of Mycobacterium abscessus infections vary depending on the location of the infection. Skin infections may manifest as boils and pus-filled bubbles, while soft-tissue infections can cause fever, chills, and muscle aches. In severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream.
Treatment involves removing infected tissues, draining pus, and administering antibiotics for an extended period. Doctors may need to test different drugs against bacteria samples from patients to identify the most effective combination against the drug-resistant strain.
All three patients in the reported cases underwent stem-cell injections in Mexico during 2022. As of March 2024, they continue to receive treatment for the infections in US hospitals.
The CDC emphasizes the need for healthcare providers and public health agencies to be aware of the potential risks associated with stem cell treatments for non-approved indications and to remain vigilant for similar cases. They advise providing guidance to individuals contemplating medical tourism.
Stem cells are precursors to various blood cells and are approved for treating blood-related disorders. However, the use of stem-cell injections for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis is unproven, and potential therapies for these conditions remain under investigation.
Genetic analysis revealed a near-perfect match between bacteria samples from two of the patients, suggesting a common contaminated source, possibly products or equipment used in the procedures.
Authorities in both the US and Mexico are actively investigating the known cases and searching for additional instances. Medical tourism has been associated with infections in the past, including a case of a Canadian man who developed a Mycobacterium abscessus infection on his scalp after cosmetic surgery.
The CDC’s warning highlights the importance of considering the potential risks before pursuing medical tourism and the crucial role of healthcare providers in educating patients about these risks.
