Induction therapy with linezolid/clarithromycin combination for Mycobacterium chelonae skin infections in immunocompromised hosts

Contemporary Pharmacotherapies for Nontuberculosis Mycobacterial Infections: A Narrative Review

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a group of atypical bacteria that may cause a spectrum of clinical manifestations, including pulmonary, musculoskeletal, skin and soft tissue, and cardiac infections. Antimycobacterial medication regimens for NTM infections require multiple agents with prolonged treatment courses and are often associated with poor tolerance in patients and suboptimal clinical outcomes. This review summarizes NTM pharmacotherapy, including treatment concepts, preferred medication regimens according to NTM species and site of infection, and emerging treatment methods for difficult-to-treat species.

Multifocal ulceronecrotic skin lesions-A stigmatizing case

Mycobacterium chelonae is a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria, ubiquitous in the environment and mostly involved in skin, soft tissue and bone infections. An atypical, severe and multifocal dermatological manifestation of Mycobacterium chelonae infection in an immunocompetent patient is described here. The lesions completely resolved using a multidisciplinary approach. This case emphasizes the important aspects of diagnosis, antimicrobial and surgical management.

Sporotrichoid-Like Spread of Cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae in an Immunocompromised Patient

Mycobacterium chelonae is a rapidly growing mycobacterium found in water and soil that can cause local cutaneous infections in immunocompetent hosts but more frequently affects immunocompromised patients. Typically, patients will present with painful subcutaneous nodules of the joints or soft tissues from traumatic inoculation. However, exhibiting a sporotrichoid-like pattern of these nodules is uncommon. Herein, we report a case of sporotrichoid-like distribution of cutaneous Mycobacterium chelonae in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus on significant immunosuppressive medications. Clinicians treating immunocompromised patients should be cognizant of their propensity to develop unusual infections and atypical presentations.