Cutaneous Mycobacterium haemophilum

AbstractPurpose of ReviewMycobacterium haemophilum is increasingly being recognized as a human pathogen and has been described as an important, albeit uncommon cause of cutaneous mycobacterial disease. We sought to review disease manifestations and recent reports of successful treatment outcomes.Recent FindingsM. haemophilum has been reported to cause cutaneous disease in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. Diagnosis can be difficult due to its specific growth requirements of incubation at 32  °C on chocolate agar. In immunocompetent individuals, it has been associated with tattooing. In immunocompromised individuals, an inciting event may not be readily apparent. The optimal treatment regimen is not well defined; however, most patients are managed with combination therapy consisting o f a macrolide, a rifamycin, and a fluoroquinolone. Treatment duration is usually several months.SummaryM. haemophilum can be challenging to isolate in culture if not suspected initially. Improved recognition of this pathogen will likely lead to earlier diagnosis and management.
Source: Current Tropical Medicine Reports - Category: Tropical Medicine Source Type: research