Successful treatment of localized cutaneous infection caused by Mycobacterium scrofulaceum with clarithromycin

Pediatr Dermatol. 2005 Sep-Oct;22(5):476-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2005.00120.x.

Abstract

Cutaneous infection arising from Mycobacterium scrofulaceum, a nontuberculous mycobacteria, has rarely been reported, and most of the reported infections were disseminated forms in patients with AIDS or other immunocompromising illness. We describe an occurrence of localized mycobacterial skin infection caused by M. scrofulaceum in a previously healthy child that manifested as a red nodule on the cheek. A biopsy specimen of the lesion demonstrated granulomatous infiltration in the dermis. M. scrofulaceum was isolated from culture of a tissue specimen. Polymerase chain reaction amplified specific fragments for M. scrofulaceum. The patient was treated successfully with clarithromycin as monotherapy for 6 months, leading to complete healing without recurrence during a follow-up period of 2 years.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clarithromycin / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / complications
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / drug therapy*
  • Mycobacterium scrofulaceum / isolation & purification*
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / drug therapy*
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Clarithromycin