Disseminated cutaneous infection of mycobacterium colombiense in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome

Abstract

Mycobacterium colombiense (M. colombiense) is a member of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). To our knowledge, this is the third case report of an M. colombiense infection. An 80-year-old man, immunocompromised by myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), developed a skin rash with exfoliation and eruption on his face and scalp. Mycobacteria were detected in pus samples. Broad-range polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed the mycobacteria to be M. colombiense. The lesions resolved after daily administration of rifam-picin, ethambutol, and clarithromycin. In conclusion, broad-range PCR identified this rare mycobacterium, allowing for the administration of appropriate combination antibiotic therapy.