Mycobacterial skin infection

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Mycobacterial skin infections encompass diverse conditions, including cutaneous tuberculosis and leprosy.
• While leprosy prevalence decreased with multidrug therapy, underdiagnosis and reservoirs persist.
• Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) skin infections lack specific treatment guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent evidence (2020-2021) on mycobacterial skin infections.
• To highlight advancements in diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on publications from 2020 to 2021.
• Analysis of diagnostic techniques and therapeutic strategies for various mycobacterial skin infections.

Main Results:

• Diagnostic field shows recent advances, with IS2404 PCR enabling rapid Buruli ulcer diagnosis.
• Telacebec demonstrates potential as a potent, well-tolerated drug in animal studies.
• Surgical intervention may be necessary for some NTM skin infections; prognosis is generally better than for NTM lung disease.

Conclusions:

• Clinical diagnosis of mycobacterial skin lesions requires confirmation via culture or molecular methods.
• Long-course multidrug treatment guided by susceptibility testing is essential.
• Rehabilitation and psychosocial support are crucial for managing long-term consequences of Buruli ulcer and leprosy.