Mycobacterium abscessus overview
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Mycobacterium Abscessus Microchapters |
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Mycobacterium abscessus overview On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Rim Halaby, M.D. [2]
Overview
Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing mycobacterium (RGM) that is a common water contaminant. Mycobacterium abscessus is a bacterium distantly related to the ones that cause tuberculosis and leprosy. It is part of a group known as rapidly growing mycobacteria and is found in water, soil, and dust. It has been known to contaminate medications and products, including medical devices. M. abscessus can cause a variety of infections. Healthcare-associated infections due to this bacterium are usually of the skin and the soft tissues under the skin. It is also a cause of serious lung infections in persons with various chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, post-traumatic wound infections, and disseminated cutaneous diseases, mostly in patients with suppressed immune systems.