CUTANEOUS INFECTION WITH MYCOBACTERIUM-ABSCESSUS

Cutaneous infection with rapidly growing mycobacteria is uncommon and diagnosis may be difficult. However, the histopathological features ar e distinctive and may aid diagnosis, The three pathogenic species, Myc obacterium fortuitum, M. chelonae and M. abscessus, show major differe nces in their antimicrobial sensitivities, and species identification is therefore important. We describe a case of infection with M. absces sus, and discuss the clinical and pathological features of such infect ions, and approaches to their treatment.