Battey bacillus /bat″ē/ [Battey Hospital, in Rome, Georgia, where bacteria strain was first isolated] , a bacillus, later renamed Mycobacterium intracellulare, that causes a chronic pulmonary disease resembling tuberculosis. It is considered an opportunistic pathogen and does not commonly infect healthy individuals. The organism is resistant to most of the common bacteriostatic and antibiotic medications but may be treated with multiple drug regimens. Surgical resection of involved lung tissue may be necessary and may improve the outcome in serious cases. Rest, good nutrition, and general supportive care are usually recommended. Compare tuberculosis.
