Subcutaneous infection with Mycobacterium abscessus in a renal transplant recipient.

Transplant recipients show a high incidence of infections, often with atypical manifestations mainly because of drug-related immunosuppression. Mycobacterial infections can be life-threatening in immunosuppressed patients due to the risk of dissemination. There have been only few reports of cutaneous infections with Mycobacterium abscessus among immunosuppressed patients. We present a rare case with a sporotrichoid skin infection with M. abscessus in a renal recipient. The value of immunohistochemical detection of mycobacteria using an anti-BCG antibody in the diagnostic work-up skin biopsies is demonstrated. Long-term antibiotic treatment resulted in complete remission, although recurrences with atypical presentation were observed. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel