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Case Reports
. 2015 Jan-Feb;6(1):31-3.
doi: 10.4103/2229-5178.148932.

Multiple nontuberculous scrofulodermas showing dramatic response to clarithromycin

Kumar Parimalam  1 , G Senthil  1 , M Vinnarasan  1 , V Arumugakani  1 , B M Amutha  1 , S Lalitha  2 , S Swarna  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Multiple nontuberculous scrofulodermas showing dramatic response to clarithromycin

Kumar Parimalam et al. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015 Jan-Feb.

Abstract

Atypical mycobacteria are distinct from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterium chelonae, a non-pigment producing rapid grower, can be found in many cutaneous sites; infection occurs most commonly after skin trauma from surgery, injections, or minor injuries. In immune competent patients, the infection is more frequently localized as a cellulitis or a nodule, whereas, in the immunocompromised patient, dissemination (more than five lesions) can occur. Because the organism is resistant to antituberculous therapy, abscess can develop and follow a chronic, indolent course. We report a case of multiple scrofuloderma due to nontuberculous infection caused by M. chelonae showing dramatic response to clarithromycin.

Keywords: Clarithromycin; Mycobacterium chelonae; nontuberculous infection; scrofuloderma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Nil.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Ulcers covered with pus and slough seen over the left side of the neck, left axilla and lateral chest wall
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) Non pigmented, smooth colonies on Lowenstein–Jensen medium on 7th day of inoculation at 37°C (b) Ziehl–Neelsen stain of the culture showing acid fast bacilli
Figure 3
Figure 3
Complete healing of the ulcers, 2 months after treatment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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