ABSTRACT
Mycobacterium abscessus (formerly M. chelonae sub-species abscessus) is an acid-fast bacillus classified as pathogenic "rapid growing" nontuberculous mycobacteria. Even though these organisms are ubiquitous in the environment, it is an uncommon cause of human diseases. M. abscessus can cause skin and soft tissue infection associated with a penetrating wound or a foreign body but it can spread to viscera other than the lungs leading to a variety of infections. The single most important factor determining the course and prognosis of M. abscessus infection is the underlying immune status of the hosts. There have been no reports of skin and soft tissue infection caused by M. abscessus in Korea. We experienced a case of skin and soft tissue infection with M. abscessus. A 43-year-old female patient developed necrotizing infection in the skin, soft tissue and fascia in the lower extremity without a definite preceding cause. She was treated successfully with prolonged drug therapy including clarithromycin, and surgical debridement.