Mycobacterium abscessusClearance by Neutrophils Is Independent of Autophagy

Mycobacterium abscessus, a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium, is increasingly prevalent in chronic lung disease, including cystic fibrosis, and infections are characterized by neutrophil-dominated environments. However, mechanisms of immune control are poorly understood. Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic with immunomodulatory effects, is used to treat M. abscessusinfections. Recently, inhibition of macrophage bactericidal autophagy was described for azithromycin, which could be detrimental to the host.