Disseminated Mycobacterium Chelonae infection in an immunocompromised adult: An uncommon etiology of skin infection

Abstract

Mycobacterium Chelonae is a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) that is ubiquitous in the environment and is associated with skin and soft tissue infections (1). Because Mycobacterium Chelonae is an opportunistic infection, it can present as skin abscess, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, pulmonary infection or disseminated infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis. M.Chelonae is one of the most pathogenic rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM). Diagnosing RGM and distinguishing it from Mycobacterium tuberculosis is important because public health tracking and management is different in these two organisms. Antibiotic susceptibility testing can also provide valuable clues to the species identification of RGM as each species has a specific in vitro antibiotic susceptibility pattern (2). Although incidence of M. Chelonae is increasing, these infections often remain misdiagnosed. This case report discusses the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, the rationale for early empiric treatment, and therapeutic options for M. Chelonae infection, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention in immunocompromised individuals.