Mycobacterium chelonei Infection

M. chelonei disease resembles M. fortuitum, hence often called the fortuitum-chelonei complex. Pathogenesis is unclear. It mainly causes pulmonary and skin wound infections, growing smooth/rough colonies in 2-5 days at 37°C; diagnosis is by arylsulfatase, negative nitrate reduction, and negative iron uptake. It is relatively sensitive to erythromycin, cephalosporins, and tetracyclines.

Common Symptoms

Toxemia; wound infection

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: M. chelonei disease resembles M. fortuitum (fortuitum-chelonei complex); both grow smooth/rough colonies in 2-5 days at 37°C, produce arylsulfatase, and have negative nitrate reduction and iron uptake. (2) Pathogenesis is unclear.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

This disease is transmitted mainly by respiratory and contact routes; during outbreaks, wear masks and gloves to reduce respiratory/skin exposure; suspected contacts may take erythromycin prophylaxis.

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.