[Cutaneous atypical Mycobacterium infection with hematogenic dissemination]

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous non-pathogens except for subjects with deficient local or general defence systems. Nearly 80% of the cases observed in France occur in HIV+ patients. Lung, lymph node or skin infections usually simulate tuberculosis and diagnosis must be based on precise identification of the infectious strain. Recommended treatment of M. kansasii is now well established but protocols for other mycobacteria are still under evaluation. We observed a case presenting with persistent fever resistant to large spectrum antibiotics. This case occurred in a 75-year-old non-immunodepressed women who presented typical microcalcifications of the skin subsequent to blood stream dissemination.