Mycobacterium chelonae: nonhealing leg ulcers treated successfully with an oral antibiotic.
Publication/Presentation Date
1-1-2001
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium chelonae is an important human pathogen and should be considered when a physician is faced with nonhealing cutaneous wounds, including ulcers of the lower leg.
METHODS: The medical literature was searched from 1965 to the present using the key words "Mycobacterium chelonae" and "leg ulcers." A case of Mycobacterium chelonae infection is reported.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Clarithromycin as single-agent oral therapy has been effective in treating these infections once the proper diagnosis is established. Diagnosis of M. chelonae infection requires being alert to this infectious agent and obtaining cultures for mycobacteria. Aggressive surgical debridement with direct excision of the wound might now be unnecessary because of the effectiveness of oral clarithromycin administered as a single oral agent.
Volume
14
Issue
6
First Page
457
Last Page
461
ISSN
0893-8652
Published In/Presented At
Terry, S., Timothy, N. H., Zurlo, J. J., & Manders, E. K. (2001). Mycobacterium chelonae: nonhealing leg ulcers treated successfully with an oral antibiotic. The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice, 14(6), 457–461.
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
11757889
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article