Mycobacterium chelonae

A type of bacteria related to that which causes tuberculosis and which is commonly found in soil and sometimes in sputum.

M.

Chelonae is one of a group of rapidly growing mycobacteria that can cause postoperative wound infections in soft tissue and bone in otherwise healthy persons and disseminated disease in people with impaired immune function.

Soft-tissue infections caused by M.

Chelonae typically manifest initially as slightly tender nodules with scant drainage and minimal surrounding cellulitis; systemic manifestations often are absent.

The indolent course typical of these infections, together with a low index of suspicion and failure to request or perform the appropriate diagnostic tests can make timely diagnosis of M.

Chelonae infections difficult