[Atypical cutaneous mycobacterium diseases. Results of a national survey]

We report the results of a retrospective inquiry concerning atypical cutaneous mycobacterioses in France over the last 5 years. Ninety-two cases were observed, contracted from aquariums (50 p. 100), in swimming pools (4.4 p. 100) and as a result of mesotherapy (15.2 p. 100); 66.3 p. 100 of the patients had no other pathology; 17.4 p. 100 were immunodepressed. Bacteriological examination was positive in 44.7 p. 100 of the cases; swabbing, scratching and punturing were better than biopsy to obtain a bacteriological culture. Mycobacteria were identified in 59.8 p. 100 of the cultures. In order of frequency, the pathogens were Mycobacterium marinum (from aquariums), M. chelonae (from iatrogenic lesions) and M. avium-intracellulare (in immunodepression). M. fortuitum, M. ulcerans, M. flavescens, M. haemophilum and M. kansasii were rare. The formation of epithelial giant-cell granulomas was observed in patients without any other pathology. Non-specific infiltration was found in patients with immunodepression and bacteriological examination was often positive in those with non-specific infiltrates. The treatment of atypical cutaneous mycobacterioses is always difficult; third generation tetracyclines and antibacterial combinations are often prescribed, but the results of in vitro tests are not reproducible in vivo. New antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, quinolones, ansamycin and clofazimine, are currently being tested.