Atypical Mycobacterium furunculosis occurring after pedicures

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 54; no. 3; pp. 520 - 524
• Main Authors: Redbord, Kelley Pagliai, Shearer, David A., Gloster, Hugh, Younger, Bruce, Connelly, Beverly L., Kindel, Susan E., Lucky, Anne W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01-03-2006; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Bacterial diseases; Biological and medical sciences; Female; Foot; Human bacterial diseases; Humans; Hygiene; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous - etiology; Tuberculosis and atypical mycobacterial infections; Tuberculosis, Cutaneous - etiology; Human; Mycobacterium; Skin disease; Dermatology; Furunculosis; Mycobacterial infection; Infection; Case study; Mycobacteriales; Bacteriosis; Mycobacteriaceae; Bacteria; Actinomycetes; Atypical
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.10.018

Mycobacterium fortuitum complex are rapidly-growing nontuberculous mycobacteria found ubiquitously in the environment including, water, soil, dust, and biofilms.
M fortuitum has been reported to cause skin and soft-tissue infections in association with nail salon footbath use during pedicures. Four cases of
M fortuitum complex furunculosis are reported that occurred after pedicures in the Cincinnati, Ohio/Northern Kentucky area. Dermatologists and clinicians should consider mycobacterial infections from the
M fortuitum complex when patients present with nonhealing furuncles on the lower legs and should inquire about recent pedicures. Early recognition and institution of appropriate therapy are critical. Public health measures should be explored to protect against such infections, given the recent popularity of the nail care industry.