Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Skin Infection: Cases Report and Problems in Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are infrequently harmful to humans but their incidence increases in immunocompromised host. There are 4 subtypes of NTM; among them M. marinum is the most common pathogen to human. Clinical manifestation of NTM infection can mimic tuberculosis of skin. Therefore, supportive evidences such as positive acid-fast bacilli smear, characteristic histopathological finding and isolation of organism from special method of culture can help to make the definite diagnosis. Cases of NTM skin infection were reported with varying skin manifestations. Even patients responsed well with many antimicrobial agents and antituberculous drug, some difficult and recalcitrant cases have partial response especially in M. chelonae infected-cases.