Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria and Skin Infection

Abstract

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Mycobacterium fortuitum abscess following breast nipple piercing

“…M. fortuitum forms non-pigmented smooth and/or rough colonies. Optimal temperatures for growth are between 28−37 °C and they produce suppurative granulomas on histology [ 2 ].…”

“…In addition to pulmonary infections, M. fortuitum is known to cause extrapulmonary infections, particularly skin and soft tissue infections. Cutaneous and subcutaneous disease is usually associated with penetrating trauma or surgery [ 2 , 3 ]. Infection classically presents as abscess, nodule formation, cellulitis, ulcers, or draining sinus tracts 4–6 weeks after initial injury.…”

“…Other common presentations include nodule and abscess formation after mesotherapy, surgical wounds, punch biopsies, and venous catheterizations. M. fortuitum has also been found to cause furunculosis after pedicures in whirlpool baths [ 2 , 3 ]. As per our literature review using PubMed, there have been a few other reported cases of breast abscess due to the organism ( Table 2 ).…”

“…Based on prior case reports, M. fortuitum has been found to be susceptible to amikacin, clarithromycin, doxycycline, linezolid, sulfonamides, and imipenem/cilastatin. Macrolides should be used with caution as there are some studies now that report M. fortuitum resistance to macrolides with the erm gene [ 2 , 3 ]. Source control of infection by surgical drainage is the key to adequate treatment and resolution of infection.…”