Cutaneous Infection with Mycobacterium abscessus in a child

Pediatr Dermatol. 2006 Mar-Apr;23(2):128-31. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2006.00196.x.

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria can cause cutaneous infections in both children and adults. Localized nontuberculous mycobacterial infections of the skin have been reported in children following injections or surgical procedures. We report a child who developed a cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacterial infection after exposure of a skin wound to pond water. Cutaneous infection with the rapidly growing mycobacteria Mycobacterium abscessus was demonstrated by clinical and histologic evaluation on the lower leg of an otherwise healthy 12-year-old Caucasian boy. We describe this as an instance of an unusual acquisition of cutaneous M. abscessus infection in a child.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Clarithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Leg
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium / isolation & purification
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / diagnosis*
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Clarithromycin