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. 2024 Nov;30(11):2294-2302.
doi: 10.3201/eid3011.240459.

Extrapulmonary Mycobacterium abscessus Infections, France, 2012-20201

Benoît Heid-Picard, Faiza Mougari, Anne Pouvaret, Fanny Lanternier, Zeina Awad, Emmanuelle Bille, Olivier Lortholary, Emmanuelle Cambau; Mabsc Study Group
Collaborators

Extrapulmonary Mycobacterium abscessus Infections, France, 2012-20201

Benoît Heid-Picard et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Mycobacterium abscessus infection is challenging to treat. Extrapulmonary M. abscessus infections (EP-MAB) are less common than pulmonary M. abscessus infections. To evaluate treatment regimens, we retrospectively analyzed consecutive microbiologically confirmed EP-MAB cases diagnosed in France during 2012-2020. We studied 45 patients with EP-MAB, including 14 bone and joint infections, 10 skin and soft tissue infections, and 8 lymph node infections. Most (62%) patients had no reported immunodeficiency. In 27 patients, EP-MAB followed healthcare-associated (44%) or environmental (16%) injuries. Of the 45 isolates, 25 were subspecies abscessus, 10 bolletii, and 9 massiliense; 1 was unidentified. Cure was achieved for 36 (80%) patients who received a median antimicrobial regimen of 6 months; 22 (55%) also underwent surgery. Four patients died, and 5 were unavailable for follow-up. EP-MAB predominantly affects immunocompetent patients after an injury; outcomes are favorable. We propose a >6-month regimen of antimicrobial therapy with consideration for surgery and regular patient reassessment.

Keywords: France; Mycobacterium abscessus; emerging communicable diseases; extrapulmonary; healthcare-associated infection; nontuberculous mycobacteria; travel medicine; tuberculosis and other mycobacteria.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart of selection for study of extrapulmonary Mycobacterium abscessus infections, France, 2012–2020. NRC, national reference center; NTM, nontuberculous mycobacteria; MABC, Mycobacterium abscessus complex.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Medical conditions associated with extrapulmonary M. abscessus infections, France, 2012–2020.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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