Mycobacterium abscessus bacteremia: A narrative literature review based on a case report
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Updated: Nov 4, 2026

Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos
Published on: September 9, 2015
Ana Cotos Suárez1, Laura Sancha Domínguez1, Juan Luis Muñoz Bellido2
1Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), SACYL, Universidad de Salamanca, CSIC, Research Group IIMD-16, Salamanca, Spain.
Introduction:
Mycobacterium abscessus is a highly virulent nontuberculous mycobacterial complex (NTM) that frequently exhibits high-level antimicrobial resistance. Bacteremia is uncommon and occurs predominantly in immunocompromised patients. We report a catheter-associated bloodstream infection by M. abscessus subsp. massiliense, and review M. abscessus bacteremia published over the past 10 years.
Methods:
A PubMed search was conducted from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2025, using the terms "M. abscessus bacteremia" and "M. abscessus catheter infection and bacteremia". Clinical, microbiological, therapeutic, and outcome variables were analyzed.
Results:
22 episodes of M. abscessus bacteremia were documented (ours included). The most frequent sources were catheter related infections (8 cases), skin and soft-tissue infection (4), surgical procedures (4) and underlying pulmonary disease (3). 86% of patients had underlying conditions considered risk factors for infection. Overall mortality was 31.8%. Amikacin, macrolides, and carbapenems were the most commonly used agents, with prolonged treatment durations and frequent regimen modifications due to resistance or toxicity.
Conclusions:
M. abscessus bacteremia is rare event with a significant mortality. Rapid microbiological identification and early initiation of appropriate empiric therapy are critical to improving outcomes.
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