Faculty Collaboration Database

Cutaneous Infections Due to Nontuberculosis Mycobacterium: Recognition and Management. Am J Clin Dermatol 2018 Dec;19(6):867-878

Date

09/01/2018

Pubmed ID

30168084

DOI

10.1007/s40257-018-0382-5

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85057499709 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   44 Citations

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a diverse group of organisms that are ubiquitous in the environment, and the incidence of cutaneous infections due to NTM has been steadily increasing. Cutaneous infections due to NTM can be difficult to diagnose, due to their wide spectrum of clinical presentations and histopathological findings that are often nonspecific. A variety of modalities including tissue culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays may be necessary to identify the organism. Treatment can also be challenging, as it can depend on multiple factors, including the causative organism, the patient's immunological status, and the extent of disease involvement. In this review, we discuss the common presentations of cutaneous NTM infections, diagnostic tools, and treatment recommendations. A multi-disciplinary approach that involves good communication between the clinician, the histopathologist, the microbiologist, and infectious disease specialists can help lead to successful diagnosis and management.

Author List

Chung J, Ince D, Ford BA, Wanat KA

Author

Karolyn A. Wanat MD Chair, Professor in the Dermatology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Humans
Incidence
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Skin
Skin Diseases, Bacterial
Treatment Outcome