Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections of the skin: A retrospective study of 25 cases

摘要: Background Absence of a pathognomonic clinical picture and variable histologic findings often delay diagnosis nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)-induced cutaneous infections, antimicrobial therapy varies. Objective We sought to investigate the clinical, microbiologic, pathological NTM infections response different treatments. Methods Records patients with skin confirmed by positive cultures or were reviewed. Clinical, epidemiologic data collected biopsy specimens reassessed. Results The series included 25 cases, one diagnosed histology 24 culture: 16 cases Mycobacterium marinum , 3 atypical without species identification, each M chelonae xenopi abscessus gordonae fortuitum . One developed tenosynovitis. Mean interval between presentation was 7.1 months (range: 1-27.3 months). All isolates analyzed for susceptibility pattern sensitive clarithromycin. Limitations include methods case collection, retrospective study, relatively small number patients. Conclusions Diagnosis should be bacteriology studies tissue cultures. Strong suggestion infection warrants initial empirical treatment prevent progression deep infection. recommended as indicated results in vitro is