Disseminated Mycobacterium chelonae subspecies chelonae infection with cutaneous and osseous manifestations

Abstract

A 75-year-old man who had been receiving corticosteroids for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented with nodulopustular skin lesions, bone pain, and constitutional symptoms. Evaluation revealed a disseminated infection with Mycobacterium chelonae subspecies chelonae, with cutaneous and osseous involvement documented by histopathologic studies and cultures. The bone involvement is a novel observation for this subspecies. The patient was successfully treated with a three-drug regimen of tobramycin sulfate, erythromycin stearate, and ciprofloxacin hydrochloride. We present a discussion of the case in the context of the literature.