Cutaneous infection by Mycobacterium chelonae in animmunosuppressed patient

A 54-year-old female patient is reported, with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and
rheumatoid arthritis under immunosuppressive treatment, who developed multiple
nodular and maculopapular cutaneous lesions, some ulcerated, with a one-year evolution
following aquatic exposure in a swimming pool. The lesions were located on the lower
extremities, abdomen, and lumbar region. Diagnosis was confirmed by skin biopsy and
mycobacterial culture, identifying Mycobacterium chelonae. Targeted antibiotic therapy
based on susceptibility testing was initiated, with favorable clinical evolution. This case is relevant due to the low incidence of cases associated with nontuberculous mycobacterial
infections in immunocompromised patients with chronic cutaneous lesions after aquatic
exposure.