A SURGICAL-WOUND INFECTION DUE TO MYCOBACTERIUM-CHELONAE SUCCESSFULLYTREATED WITH CLARITHROMYCIN

BACKGROUND. Mycobacterium chelonae is an uncommon but recognized cause of chronic localized cutaneous infection at a site of penetrating tra uma or a surgical wound. OBJECTIVE. The problem faced by physicians en countering an infection by M. chelonae is often response to therapy, w hich may be highly variable. METHODS. We describe an immunocompetent p atient who developed a localized infection due to M. chelonae followin g surgery for a basal cell carcinoma of the lower leg. RESULTS. The in fection responded to treatment with clarithromycin. CONCLUSION. The cl inical efficacy of clarithromycin and the salient features of M. chelo nae infection and its treatment are discussed. (C) 1997 by the America n Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.