Key points
- Mycobacterium abscessus complex is a mycobacterium found in water, soil and dust.
- M. abscessus complex can cause a variety of infections.
- Good infection control practices can help reduce infection risk.
- Treatment requires taking an appropriate combination of antibiotics for six months to one year, or longer.
Overview
Mycobacterium abscessus complex is a bacterium distantly related to the ones that cause tuberculosis and Hansen's Disease (Leprosy). It is part of a group of environmental mycobacteria found in water, soil and dust. It has been known to contaminate medications and products, including medical devices. M. abscessus complex can cause a variety of infections.
Healthcare-associated M. abscessus complex infections usually happen in the skin or soft tissues under the skin. It can also cause serious lung infections in people with chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis.
Signs and symptoms
- Boils or pus-filled blisters
- Chills
- Fever
- General feeling of illness
- Muscle aches
- Skin that is red, warm, tender to the touch, swollen and/or painful
Who is at risk
- People with open wounds.
- People with underlying respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems (which puts them at risk of lung infection, in rare cases).
How it spreads
- Injections of substances containing M. abscessus complex bacteria.
- Invasive medical procedures (e.g., surgery) using contaminated equipment or material.
- When soil or water containing M. abscessus complex bacteria gets into a wound.
Person-to-person transmission is not common.
Reducing risk
Patients receiving health care should:
- Keep their hands clean by regularly washing their hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, including before and after caring for wounds or touching a medical device.
- Remind people (including healthcare providers) to clean their hands before touching them or handling medical devices.
- Follow all their healthcare providers' instructions before and after a surgery or medical procedure.
- Only get medical care from licensed providers.
- Let their doctors know if they think they have an infection after receiving medical care.