Outbreak of persistent cutaneous abscesses due to Mycobacterium chelonae after mesotherapy sessions, Lima, Peru Surto de abscessos cutâneos persistentes por Mycobacterium chelonae pós-mesoterapia, Lima, Peru ABSTRACT Outbreaks of rapidly growing mycobacteria have been occasionally described. The article reports an outbreak of cutaneous abscesses due to Mycobacterium chelonae following mesotherapy in Lima, Peru. From December 2004 through January 2005, 35 subjects who had participated in mesotherapy training sessions presented with persistent cutaneous abscesses. Thirteen (37%) of these suspected cases consented to underwent clinical examination. Skin punch-biopsies were collected from suspicious lesions and substances injected during mesotherapy were analyzed. Suspected cases were mainly young women and lesions included subcutaneous nodules, abscesses and ulcers. Mycobacterium chelonae was isolated from four patients and from a procaine vial. In conclusion, it is important to consider mesotherapy as a potential source of rapidly growing mycobacteria infections. Although rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) are ubiquitous, diseases caused by these atypical bacteria are relatively uncommon. 1 Among RGM, Mycobacterium chelonae is particularly prominent. Clinical diseases caused by this agent include cutaneous infections ranging from localized cellulitis to osteomyelitis. The precise burden of disease caused by this microorganism is unknown and most available information comes from occasional case reports. Cutaneous infections caused by RGM, including M. chelonae, have been associated with penetrating cutaneous trauma. Common procedures related to RGM-related infections included injections, liposuction, acupuncture and, more rarely, catheter insertions. 1