Atypical mycobacterial cutaneous infections in Hong Kong: 10-year retrospective study.

Abstract

Atypical mycobacterial infection is rare in Hong Kong. Because of the low sensitivity of traditional culture techniques, atypical mycobacterial infection may be underdiagnosed if only culture-confirmed cases are included. Polymerase chain reaction provides a rapid and sensitive method to improve diagnostic accuracy. Tissue culture is crucial to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. In our study, tetracycline group of antibiotics, especially minocycline, was an effective treatment, particularly in cases caused by Mycobacterium marinum.