Atypical Mycobacterial Infection

Atypical Mycobacterial infection is caused by an infection by a mycobacterial bacteria related to that which causes Tuberculosis. In the skin, it often consists of crusted nodules or abscesses.  Certain forms of infection are localized geographically or by exposure to certain elements.

Atypical Mycobacterial infection can develop in anyone with exposure to the bacteria, and those forms that affect the skin are mycobacterium ulcerans, mycobacterium chelonae, and mycobacterium marinium. While the ulcerans and marinium forms of the bacteria have very specific areas of exposure, mycobacterium chelonae is prevalent in many water sources, including tap water.

Mycobacterium marinum is uncommon, and generally appears most often in those with exposure to infected fresh or saltwater. In addition to lesions which most often affect the knees, elbows and extremities, it may, in rare cases, cause swollen and tender joints. Mycobacterium ulcerans is most common in Central and West Africa in wet areas, but has also been reported in Australia. Severe forms of this infection can destroy blood vessels, nerves and even spread to bone. Mycobacterium chelonae, the most widespread form of the infection, can cause lung disease, and infections of the eye, joints, and various other organs, in addition to the formation of non-healing Wounds and subcutaneous nodules or abscesses.

Differential Diagnosis (Other conditions with similar appearance)

Metastic Kaposi sarcoma
Lymphoma
Bacterial adenitis
Toxoplasmosis

Initially diagnosed by appearance, health care professionals will test to determine which type of the bacteria causing Atypical Mycobacterial infection is present, and to rule out other conditions which may have similar presentation of symptoms.