Mycobacterium fortuitum infections: a review with two illustrative cases

Two outbreaks of postoperative wound infections by organisms of the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex have focused attention on this notoriously drug resistant organism. In this report 2 cases are presented which developed infections with this organism, one of which responded to systemic antimicrobials despite discouraging in vitro sensitivities. Surgical debridement must remain the choice of treatment; however, systemic antibiotics may prove effective in some cases.