Atypical Mycobacterial Cutaneous Infections

Abstract

Atypical mycobacterial infections have been a cause of steadily growing infections over the past decades, especially in immunocompromised patients. They are classified by their ability to produce pigment, growth rate, and optimal temperature. Mycobacterium marinum, M. kansasii, and M. avium-intracellulare are examples of slow-growing mycobacteria. M. fortuitum, M. chelonei, and M. abscessus are examples of rapidly growing mycobacteria. Atypical mycobacteria are ubiquitous in the environment. No specific treatment guidelines exist but a multidrug regimen combined with surgical modalities is often used for therapy.