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Cutaneous Mycobacterium haemophilum

  • Cutaneous Mycobacterial Diseases of the Skin and Soft Tissues (C Franco-Paredes, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Mycobacterium haemophilum is increasingly being recognized as a human pathogen and has been described as an important, albeit uncommon cause of cutaneous mycobacterial disease. We sought to review disease manifestations and recent reports of successful treatment outcomes.

Recent Findings

M. haemophilum has been reported to cause cutaneous disease in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. Diagnosis can be difficult due to its specific growth requirements of incubation at 32 °C on chocolate agar. In immunocompetent individuals, it has been associated with tattooing. In immunocompromised individuals, an inciting event may not be readily apparent. The optimal treatment regimen is not well defined; however, most patients are managed with combination therapy consisting of a macrolide, a rifamycin, and a fluoroquinolone. Treatment duration is usually several months.

Summary

M. haemophilum can be challenging to isolate in culture if not suspected initially. Improved recognition of this pathogen will likely lead to earlier diagnosis and management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Denver Public Health, 605 Bannock St., MC 2600, Denver, CO, 80204, USA

    Kellie Hawkins, M. McLees & M. Haas

  2. University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA

    Kellie Hawkins, J. Lum, M. McLees & M. Haas

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  1. Kellie Hawkins
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  2. J. Lum
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  3. M. McLees
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Correspondence to Kellie Hawkins.

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Kellie Hawkins, Michelle Haas, Margaret McLees, and Jessica Lum declare no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Cutaneous Mycobacterial Diseases of the Skin and Soft Tissues

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Hawkins, K., Lum, J., McLees, M. et al. Cutaneous Mycobacterium haemophilum. Curr Trop Med Rep 5, 238–246 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40475-018-0164-4

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