Mycobacteria abscessus outbreak in US patients linked to offshore surgicenter

We recently encountered 5 patients with Mycobacterium abscessus infection following cosmetic procedures performed at a surgicenter located off the United States coastline which, by report, actively recruits domestic patients. Additional patients with similar clinical histories and presentation have been identified at other practices along the Eastern seaboard as well. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigation has confirmed a common link. All procedures were performed in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, between 2003 and 2004. More than half were performed at the same facility. We report herein a series of patients presenting with M. abscessus infections who underwent cosmetic surgery offshore. The goal of this manuscript is to heighten awareness among physicians who may encounter such patients in their practices. The indolent clinical presentation, laboratory studies utilizing acid-fast stains and cultures, and treatment including surgical debridement and pharmacologic regimens in the ultimate diagnosis and therapy for M. abscessus infections are discussed.