Cutaneous Infection Caused by Mycobacterium smegmatis

Abstract

Mycobacterium smegmatis is an environmental microorganism that has been rarely implicated in skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). In the present report, we present a cutaneous abscess associated with cellulitis that occurred after an infiltration with corticosteroids for a trochanteric bursitis. Clinical outcome was good after treatment with oral doxycycline for 6 months. The review of the literature showed that M. smegmatis has been implicated in SSTIs after trauma or surgery. The treatment was carried out with a wide variety of therapeutic regimens associated with surgery in many of them. In conclusion, M. smegmatis should be considered as a cause of SSTI, especially after trauma or surgery. M. smegmatis infections can be underdiagnosed if microbiological cultures are not incubated for a long time. The optimal therapeutic regimen for treating SSTIs remains unclear, but prolonged treatment with doxycycline can be a good option.