| Abstract: | Around 50 mycobacteria species cause human disease. Immunosuppressive statespredispose to non-tuberculous mycobaterium infection, such as Mycobacterium chelonae:AFB, non-tuberculous, fast growth of low virulence and uncommon as a human pathogen.It may compromise the skin and soft tissues, lungs, lymph nodes and there is also adisseminated presentation. The diagnosis involves AFB identification and culture onAgar and Lowenstein-Jensen medium base. A 41-year-old female with MCTD (LESpredominance) is reported, presenting painless nodules in the right forearm. Shedenied local trauma. Immunosuppressed with prednisone and cyclophosphamide for 24months. Lesion biopsy has demonstrated positive bacilloscopy (Ziehl-Neelsen stain)and M.chelonae in culture (Lowenstein-Jensen medium base), therefore clarithromycintreatment has been started (best therapy choice in the literature). |
