Mycobacterium fortuitum infection developing after liposuction

摘要

Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM), are widespread saprophytes which may cause opportunistic infections in skin, soft tissue, bone and lungs. The infection usually spreads from contaminated medical equipment or environmental resources like water, earth and dust. In this article a 37-year old, otherwise healthy female patient with a cutaneous RGM infection, appearing with suppurating nodules 4 months after liposuction, has been presented. Histopathological and microbiological investigations led to the diagnosis of Mycobacterium fortuitum infection. A treatment of Amikacin 1g/day produced complete resolution of lesions leaving atrophic scars within 2 months. During follow-up for 1 year, there was no recurrence. The diagnosis of RGM infections is quite difficultdue to the lack of distinguishing clinical findings and the requirements for extra work-up microbiologically. Today cosmetic surgery is increasingly in use. One should think of RGM infections and explore the probable resources, in the skin and soft tissue infections which could develop months after the surgical procedures.