Mycobacterium FortuitumInfections of the Hand

Abstract

Five cases are reported of infection due to Mycobactenum fortuitum involving the hand following contaminated injection or traumatic wounds. Synovectomy, debridement, or amputation together with prolonged chemotherapy using kanamycin or amikacin were required. Doxycycline and sulphamethoxasole also seemed to be the effective antibiotics for this organism. A high index of suspicion is important in order to obtain the correct diagnosis.