Mycobacterium fortuitum complex (MFC) organisms cause infections at sites of inoculation, either surgical, injection, or traumatic, characterized by wound infections occurring several weeks after the insult. Cutaneous infection accounts for 60% of MFC infections.
Causes of Mycobacterium Fortuitum Complex Infection
- Mycobacterium Fortuitum is a rare cause of isolated lymphadenitis.
- Trauma or injection – Skin lesions, subcutaneous lesions, ocular lesions, and osteomyelitis
- Trauma or injection – Skin lesions, subcutaneous lesions, ocular lesions, and osteomyelitis
- Immunosuppression – Disseminated disease, especially in patients with AIDS or corticosteroid use
Symptoms of Mycobacterium Fortuitum Complex Infection
- Skin: Ulcerative skin lesions and/or subcutaneous nodules may be present. Deeper infections may lead to draining fistulas.
- Eye: Keratitis or corneal ulcers may be present.
- Heart: Valvular murmur with endocarditis may be present.
Diagnosis
Clinical findings confirmed by isolation of MFC from lesional skin biopsy specimen.
Treatment
Antimycobacterial Chemotherapy MFC organisms are resistant to all antimycobacterial agents except amikacin, and several newer agents such as fluoroquinolones and newer macrolides are frequently effective. Severe infection is usually treated with amikacin combined with another effective drug for 4 weeks, followed by 6 months of oral therapy. Mild to moderate infection is treated with an effective oral agent for 6 or more weeks.
Surgery Debridement with delayed closure is effective for localized infections.
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