Mycobacterium abscessus skin infection after tattooing - Case report

Abstract

Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing mycobacterium that has been affecting people undergoing invasive procedures, such as videosurgery and mesotherapy. This bacterium has global distribution, being found in numerous niches. The frequency of published reports of infection by rapidly growing mycobacteria associated with tattooing procedures has increased in recent years. However, in Brazil there were no case reports of M. abscessus after tattooing in the literature until now. In this paper, we describe the case of a patient with a nine-month history of lesion on a tattoo site. The diagnosis of infection with Mycobacterium abscessus was established by correlation between dermatological and histopathological aspects, culture and molecular biology techniques. The patient had significant improvement of symptoms with the use of clarithromycin monotherapy.

Mycobacterium abscessus Infection After Facial Injection With Autologous Fat

“…9 Several surgical debridements may be required over several months, depending on the response antimicrobial therapy and surgery. 10 Follow-up of liver and kidney function is necessary course of therapy. Thymosin can be applied for the immunocompromised patients.…”

Mycobacterium abscessus infection in a spa worker

“…Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) is a rapidly growing mycobacterium widely present in the natural environment, such as in the soil and water (1,2). It is increasingly being identified as a cause of human disease, particularly as an agent of cutaneous and soft-tissue infections, pulmonary infections, and disseminated disease associated with immunosuppression (3,4).…”

“…In recent decades, increasing incidence of non-tuberculous (also called "atypical") mycobacteria infections has been reported, and those caused by M. abscessus are no exception (4). The increasing frequency of immunosuppression and surgical procedures, and the more efficient identification of the pathogen could explain this increase (1,5).…”

“…Although it is rare, non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection should be part of the differential diagnosis of cutaneous ulcers, especially on trauma-prone areas. Cutaneous infections with M. abscessus usually occur by inoculation of the bacteria following trauma of the skin with contaminated devices such as inadequately sterilized medical equipment and after mesotherapy, tattooing, acupuncture, and insulin injections (1,2). Frequently, contamination with non-tuberculous mycobacterium occurs through tap water (5,7).…”

“…No specific treatment for skin infection with M. abscessus has been established because it depends on the immune status of the host and the extent of disease (3,9). Multiple treatment modalities are recommended, including surgery and a long course of antibiotics that can be used in combination (1). M. abscessus is inherently resistant to current first-line antituberculosis drugs, but recently rifabutin has shown potential efficacy (7,10).…”