MYCOBACTERIUM HAEMOPHILUM SKIN INFECTION IN AN IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PATIENT

Abstract

Mycobacterium haemophilum skin infection is a rare disease with a difficult diagnosis and a challenging treatment. We report the case of a patient on chronic corticotherapy for myositis with nodules on the lower limbs in which Mycobacterium haemophilum was identified by PCR technique. This case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis. In fact, this infection can currently be underdiagnosed due to the special requirements for culture. It should be considered in patients with chronic granulomatous processes in combination with negative my- cobacteriological examination.

KEYWORDS – Mycobacterium haemophilum; Immunocompromised host; Mycobacterium infections; Skin diseases, bacterial.