A Case of Cutaneous Infection with Mycobacterium Chelonae / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium chelonae is a rapidly growing atypical mycobacteria that can cause both systemic and cutaneous infections as a human pathogen. This saprophyte is ubiquitous in the environment and has been found in water, soil, and dust particles. Clarithromycin is a highly specific drug against M. chelonae. A 53-year-old man had a nodule on the dorsum of his right hand that had developed in 3~4 months. The lesion was a slightly tender 2.0x1.5cm erythematous nodule and had an overlying ruptured pustule. Culture demonstrated atypical mycobacterim, with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which confirmed M. chelonae.