Isolation of Mycobacterium chelonae from wound infection following laparoscopy: A Case Report.

M. chelonae is a rare cause of human infection and is difficult to diagnose unless suspected for the same. A 55 year old healthy gynaecologist, diagnosed to have right inguinal hernia, underwent laparoscopic hernioplasty, after which he showed signs of post-operative wound infection which was confirmed to be due to M. chelonae. Definitive identification of this species of mycobacterium was possible by growth characteristics and biochemical tests. The organism was sensitive to Kanamycin, Clarithromycin, Ciprofloxacin and Amikacin. However, complete recovery from infection was possible after prolonged treatment with antibiotics to which the organism was sensitive.