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Mycobacterium chelonei and abscess formation in soft tissues
P J Hanson1, J M Thomas, J V Collins
1Department of Medicine, St. Stephen's Hospital, London.
Tubercle
|December 1, 1987
Summary
A Mycobacterium chelonae breast abscess in a healthy woman required novel antibiotic treatment. Initial anti-tuberculosis drugs failed, necessitating a switch to tetracycline, erythromycin, and trimethoprim for complete recovery.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) can cause opportunistic infections.
- Mycobacterium chelonae is an NTM rarely associated with breast abscesses.
Observation:
- A healthy 46-year-old woman presented with a breast abscess.
- Isolation and identification of Mycobacterium chelonae from the abscess.
- In-vitro susceptibility testing revealed resistance to standard anti-tuberculosis drugs.
Findings:
- The pathogen was sensitive to tetracycline and erythromycin.
- Initial treatment with isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampicin showed partial response.
- Development of multiple abscesses necessitated a change in antibiotic regimen.
Implications:
- Successful treatment was achieved with erythromycin and trimethoprim.
- This case highlights the importance of susceptibility testing for NTM infections.
- Alternative antibiotic strategies may be required for Mycobacterium chelonae infections.