Mycobacterium mucogenicum: report of a skin infection associated with etanercept

Abstract

Mycobacterium mucogenicum is a recently characterized organism that rarely may cause human infections. This rapidly growing mycobacterium is commonly identified in tap water. Both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients may develop infections from Mycobacterium mucogenicum. Some patients have experienced lethal disease, including sepsis. Infections occurring in the skin and soft tissues have been described only after a preceding injury. We present the first case of infection with Mycobacterium mucogenicum occurring in a patient on the TNF-alpha antagonist etanercept and without any prior soft tissue injury.