Rapidly Growing Mycobacterial Infections After Pedicures

• DOI: 10.1001/archderm.139.5.629
• Publication Date: 2003-05-19T21:57:18Z
• Authors: Patrick J. Sniezek; Brad S. Graham; Heidi Byers Busch; Edith R. Lederman; Matthew L. Lim; Kimberly Poggemyer; Annie Kao; Moise Mizrahi; Gerry Washabaugh; Mitch Yakrus; Kevin Winthrop
• Keywords: Mycobacterium fortuitum; Mycobacterium chelonae; Mycobacterium abscessus; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

<h3>Background</h3> Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) can cause a variety of cutaneous and systemic diseases. The causative organisms are typically<i>Mycobacterium fortuitum</i>or<i>Mycobacterium chelonae</i>(also known as<i>Mycobacterium abscessus</i>). Primary lesions may develop after variable latent period, from weeks to several months, usually result direct inoculation trauma, injections, or during surgery via contaminated medical instruments. Recently, investigators the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, Atlanta, Ga, California Department Health Services, Berkeley, documented large, unprecedented outbreak community-acquired RGM infection, which more than100 patrons northern nail salon contracted furunculosis in their legs as exposure whirlpool footbaths that were with<i>M fortuitum</i>. <h3>Observations</h3> We report clinical epidemiological findings 3 cases lower extremity infections occurred similar footbath at different salons southern California. These typically presented recurrent furunculosis, causing considerable morbidity scarring, delayed diagnosis, need long-term polymicrobial therapy. <h3>Conclusions</h3> mycobacterial related pedicures continue occur sporadic fashion. Clinicians should consider possibility infection inquire about recent patient with abscesses unresponsive conventional antibiotic