Pedicure-associated Mycobacterium chelonae infection in a hospitalized patient

Case Series and Review of the Literature of Mycobacterium chelonae Infections of the Lower Extremities

Mycobacterium chelonae infections involving the lower extremities are rare clinical entities that present a diagnostic challenge given its diverse clinical presentations ranging from superficial (e.g., cellulitis, painful vesicular lesions) to deep (e.g., tenosynovitis) infections. We present 1 cases of M chelonae infections of the feet diagnosed 6 to 12 months after initial symptoms representing the difficulty of diagnosing this condition. Both cases were successfully managed with aggressive surgical debridement and long durations of antibiotic therapy with long-term care. A comprehensive review of the literature of M chelonae infections of the lower extremities was performed to provide summary data on the presenting symptoms, examination findings, predisposing conditions, and management approaches of this rare, but emerging clinical entity. Our cases and comprehensive review serve to raise awareness of atypical mycobacterial infections, including M chelonae, and advocate for the early consideration of mycobacterial cultures in the diagnostic workup of chronic lower extremity infections especially in the setting of poor initial response to standard antibacterial therapies.

Infection prevention in personal services settings: Evidence, gaps and the way forward

Background

Personal services is a continuously evolving industry that encompasses a variety of aesthetic treatments and personal enhancement services. Personal services are an important public health concern because delivery of service may pose potential health risks for both clients and workers. To date, there is a lack of evidence on the specific infection risks involved with personal services and the magnitude of these risks. While guidance and regulation of personal services settings do exist, they appear in varying degrees and complexity across Canada.

Objectives

To summarize relevant literature on the risk of infections related to personal services; conduct an environmental scan of current provincial and territorial guidance and regulations; identify key risk mitigation measures; and summarize gaps and challenges.

Methods

A working group of national experts in the field was established for consultation on key issues. A narrative literature review was conducted to summarize findings from relevant articles. Key questions and a literature search strategy were developed and articles were screened and critically appraised for eligibility. An environmental scan of key guidelines was also conducted to identify relevant legislation and guidance. Findings from both the narrative review and environmental scan were summarized to inform guidance and identify gaps.

Findings

The review of the literature identified factors associated with increased risk of infection including inadequate training of personal services workers and non-compliance with established infection prevention principles. The environmental scan demonstrated that some guidelines have been developed by provincial/territorial ministries of health utilizing basic, generally accepted infection prevention principles. The established body of evidence that informs infection prevention and control recommendations is valid for health care settings; however there are factors to consider in extracting and applying such guidance to personal services settings. Major gaps and challenges remain in supporting both the advancement of infection prevention guidance and the development of enhanced regulatory frameworks, applicable to personal services settings in Canada.

Conclusion

This review involved a comprehensive examination of relevant literature and provides a summary of issues addressing the risk of infection in personal services settings. There is a paucity of high quality evidence to support guidance, and findings reveal the need for further investigation and enhanced awareness of public health risks associated with personal services. Nonetheless, these findings can inform future research and the development of infection prevention and control guidelines and recommendations for such settings.

Cutaneous Mycobacterium abscessus infection following hair transplant

A 28-year-old man presented with a 10-day history of scalp nodules. He had undergone hair transplantation 2 months previously. Incision and drainage of one of the nodules yielded gelatinous material, which was sent for microscopy and culture, including low-temperature culture. After 2 weeks of incubation, culture of the nodule yielded acid- and alcohol-fast bacilli, which were identified as Mycobacterium abscessus, a rapidly growing, nontuberculous mycobacterium, which has been reported to cause cutaneous, soft tissue and respiratory infections following trauma, surgery or injection with nonsterile needles. A high index of suspicion is therefore needed in patients who present with cutaneous infections after cosmetic dermatological procedures, including hair transplantation.

Mycobacterium chelonae-abscessus Complex Infection After Flatfoot Reconstruction

Mycobacterium infections involving tuberculosis in the foot are rare but cases are readily available in published studies. Atypical or nontuberculosis mycobacterium foot infections are rare, especially those involving the soft tissue and bone, and have been infrequently reported. To date, no case reports involving atypical mycobacterium infection after elective foot surgery have been reported. We present the case of a 49-year-old female who underwent flatfoot reconstruction, with a resultant Mycobacterium chelonae-abscessus infection and osteomyelitis postoperatively. The patient ultimately underwent hardware removal with multiple debridements. The patient was treated ultimately with a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics and 5 months of oral antibiotics for the mycobacterium infection and osteomyelitis. At the last follow-up examination, the patient remained healed with a satisfactory outcome. We also provide a literature review of mycobacterium infections in the foot.