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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Hanna Matthews1, Kevin L Winthrop2
1Section of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|August 5, 2026
Summary
Mycobacterial skin infections (SSTIs) are difficult to diagnose and treat. This review focuses on nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) SSTIs, covering their causes, diagnosis, and management.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycobacterial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are diverse, caused by various mycobacteria.
- Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a significant cause of SSTIs, with different species linked to specific exposures.
- Diagnostic challenges and treatment complexities are common in mycobacterial SSTIs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies for mycobacterial SSTIs.
- To emphasize SSTIs caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on mycobacterial SSTIs.
- Synthesis of information on NTM epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.
Main Results:
- Rapidly growing mycobacteria are common in healthcare-associated infections.
- M marinum and M ulcerans are associated with aquatic environments.
- Diagnostic delays are frequent due to non-specific symptoms and specialized testing needs.
Conclusions:
- Mycobacterial SSTIs, particularly those caused by NTM, require a thorough understanding of their diverse origins.
- Accurate diagnosis necessitates specialized laboratory techniques.
- Effective treatment involves pathogen-specific combination therapies.
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