Mycobacterium scrofulaceum Infection

M. scrofulaceum is widely distributed in nature and characteristically produces yellow pigment in dark culture; it forms colonies on Löwenstein medium in 2-3 weeks at 30-37°C and does not grow below 25°C. If incubated at 37°C for 3 days then shifted to 25°C, it grows rapidly. Pathogenesis is unclear. Clinically it causes granulomatous nodules 10 days to months after trauma, sometimes erysipeloid-like; lesions are usually solitary without systemic symptoms. Diagnosis is by acid-fast culture and speciation. It is self-limited; antibiotics and vaccines accelerate recovery.

Common Symptoms

Granuloma; nodule; erysipelas

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: M. scrofulaceum is widely distributed in warm, humid, low-pH, low-dissolved-oxygen, high-soluble-zinc, humic-acid-rich soil/water; dark-yellow pigmentation is characteristic; colonies on Löwenstein medium appear in 2-3 weeks at 30-37°C, no growth below 25°C, rapid growth after 3 days at 37°C then 25°C; smooth, moist, yellow film unchanged by light; larger than M. tuberculosis with stronger acid fastness; strongly catalase-positive; niacin-negative; sensitive to sulfonamides and erythromycin, resistant to isoniazid and PAS. (2) Pathogenesis is unclear.

Treatment

Traditional Chinese medicine, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

No effective preventive measures; early detection and treatment.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Hematology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.