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Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections and Management for the Inpatient Dermatologist

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To improve recognition of skin and soft tissue infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and provide guidance on diagnostic work-up and treatment for the inpatient dermatologist, with a focus on recent literature (2018–2023).

Recent Findings

The prevalence of NTM skin and soft tissue infections has increased in the last few decades. Histopathology and tissue culture are imperative to make a diagnosis. Matrix-assisted laser deionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is used with increasing frequency to accelerate diagnosis of NTM. Dual antibiotic therapy is recommended to decrease resistance, particularly in rapidly growing bacteria (RGM).

Summary

NTM, particularly RGM, are rare sources of skin and soft tissue infections in hospitalized patients that have high morbidity and mortality. The inpatient dermatologist must maintain a high index of suspicion for NTM cutaneous lesions to initiate work-up and treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    Amber Y. Bo

  2. Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    Laura E. Goeser

  3. Department of Dermatology and Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    Karolyn A. Wanat

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  1. Amber Y. Bo
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  2. Laura E. Goeser
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Contributions

Amber Bo and Laura Goeser were responsible for the primary writing of the manuscript, and all 3 authors prepared figures.  Karolyn Wanat was responsible for critical review and appraisal.  All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Karolyn A. Wanat.

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Bo, A.Y., Goeser, L.E. & Wanat, K.A. Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections and Management for the Inpatient Dermatologist. Curr Derm Rep 12, 204–214 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-023-00417-5

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