Case Commentary: Dual β-lactam as part of regimen to treat Mycobacterium abscessus lung disease.

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.