Affiliation:
1. Department of Internal Medicine Medical University of South Carolina Charleston SC USA
2. Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery Medical University of South Carolina Charleston SC USA
3. Department Mohs Micrographic and Dermatologic Surgery Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York NY USA
Abstract
AbstractAtypical mycobacterial infections are commonly acquired through exposure to water, and tuberculosis remains highly endemic in many parts of the world. In this era of global connection, travel, and immigration, it is more important than ever to maintain a high index of suspicion for infection from cutaneous tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria. Epidemics related to surgical procedures have been related to inadequate sterilization, as almost 50% of public water supplies harbor mycobacteria. Improved diagnostic techniques for these microbes, including Auramine–Rhodamine staining and rapid detection of mycobacteria and drug susceptibilities through PCR and MALDI‐TOF, have improved detection and treatment outcomes. Given an increasing number of patients on immunosuppressive therapies, clinicians must remain vigilant.