A Cold-Blooded Tiptoer: Nonresolving Cellulitis in an Immunocompromised Patient. (11th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kitaura, Satoshi; Okamoto, Koh; Wakabayashi, Yoshitaka; Okada, Yuta; Okazaki, Aiko; Ikeda, Mahoko; Okugawa, Shu; Fujimoto, Fumie; Bujo, Chie; Minatsuki, Shun; Tsushima, Kensuke; Chikamatsu, Kinuyo; Mitarai, Satoshi; Moriya, Kyoji
• Is Part Of: Open forum infectious diseases. Volume 9:Number 4(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02-11
• Subjects: immunocompromised patients -- Mycobacterium haemophilum -- nontuberculous mycobacteria -- skin and soft tissue infection; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Medical microbiology -- Periodicals; Infection -- Periodicals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2328-8957

Abstract

Abstract: Mycobacterium haemophilum is a nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) with a predilection for skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) in the immunocompromised host. We report a case of disseminated M haemophilum infection initially presenting as a nonresolving subacute cellulitis of bilateral lower extremities. Genetic sequencing was used for final identification, while a commercially available polymerase chain reaction test returned a false-positive result for Mycobacterium intracellulare . Consequently, we highlight the importance of M haemophilum as a major differential diagnosis of SSTI in the immunocompromised host and the need for careful interpretation of rapid diagnostic tests.