Mycobacterium Fortuitum
Overview
An infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum which can be found in soil, dust and water. It usually causes infection of the skin and surrounding area usually after some sort of skin trauma such as an injury or surgery.
Symptoms
* Skin infection * Soft tissue infection
Causes
* Trauma or injection - Skin lesions, subcutaneous lesions, ocular lesions, and osteomyelitis * Immunosuppression - Disseminated disease, especially in patients with AIDS or in those who use corticosteroids * Lung disease – Bronchiectasis
Treatment
Medical Care * Local wound care for cutaneous lesions is always appropriate. Small lesions may improve with local care and antibiotics without surgical intervention. * In vitro susceptibilities may not correlate with in vivo activities. Before considering major surgery, a course of at least 2 drugs may be useful, even with resistant organisms. Surgical Care * Surgical debridement of cutaneous or subcutaneous lesions, especially if the lesions are extensive, is usually required for cure. * Surgical debridement of ocular and bone lesions is almost always required. * Surgical excision of pulmonary lesions may be considered if response to therapy is lacking or if the organism is relatively resistant to antibiotics. * Surgical excision of lymphadenitis is the therapy of choice and is usually curative. * If the infection involves an implanted device, removal of the device is usually necessary for cure.