Cutaneous Manifestations of Mycobacterium kansasii Infection

AbstractPurpose of ReviewMycobacterium kansasii is a slow-growing member of the nontuberculous mycobacterial species that manifests clinically with pulmonary, cutaneous, or disseminated forms. Most cases ofM. kansasii infection occur in immunocompromised hosts including HIV/AIDS, solid-organ transplantation, anti-interferon- γ antibody disorder, or among those with pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cystic fibrosis. In this review, we aim to discuss relevant literature regarding the clinical manifestations of this infection with a particular emphasis on the clinical spectrum and treatm ent of the cutaneous manifestations of this mycobacterial infection.Recent FindingsInfection caused byM. kansasii is associated with exposure to contaminated municipal water systems since this organism thrives in human-engineered environments. Chronic or subacute skin lesions may represent the primary source of entry of the organism due to open sores or traumatic injuries. Alternatively, cutaneous lesions may occur secondary to dissemination of the organism to the skin from pulmonary infection. The diagnosis ofM. kansasii of the skin and soft tissues should be entertained among immunocompetent or immunocompromised individuals presenting with subacute or chronic lesions. The differential diagnosis ofM. kansasii infection includes infections of skin and soft tissues caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria, subcutaneous mycosis, pyogenic bacterial infections, noca...
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research