Mycobacterium abscessus skin infection after tattooing: first case report and review of the literature.

Mycobacterium abscessus is a species of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM). This species can cause skin and soft tissue infections after trauma or surgical procedures, pulmonary infections and disseminated diseases in immunocompromised patients. It has been rarely documented after tattoo procedures. Herein we describe the case of a 51-year- old man who presented with erythematous papules over a tattoo on the back 10 days after a tattoo session. Culture revealed M. abscessus. Tattoo infections, clinical features and treatment options due to RGM are reviewed. Copyright 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.