Delayed diagnosis of atypical mycobacterial skin and soft tissue infections in non-immunocompromized hosts

Abstract

Relapsing or persisting skin and soft tissue infections after injury with biological materials should prompt consideration of atypical mycobacteria, even in non-immunocompromized hosts. We report 3 cases where diagnosis was delayed for 3–10 months. Insidiously, Mycobacterium marinum infection can occur without any contact to fish tank or swimming pool.