Granulomatous inflammation in the tails of mice associated with Mycobacterium chelonae infection

This report describes a case series of granulomatous inflammation in the ta ils of seven immunocompromised mice. The disease was associated with Mycoba cterium chelonae infection. The source and route of infection remained uncl ear. Spontaneous infection with M. chelonae has not previously been documen ted in mice. We conclude that: M. chelonae, like in humans, should be consi dered as a facultative pathogen in laboratory animals, particularly under i mmunosuppressive conditions.