A case of disseminated Mycobacterium marinum infection in an immunocompetent patient

An unusual case of Mycobacterium marinum cutaneous infection is described. As a result of marked delay in the diagnosis, extensive local inflammation and destructive osteomyelitis occurred together with cutaneous dissemination in an immunocompetent host. Pathologic fractures in the infected bone necessitated amputation of the involved digit. The most striking feature of this case was the development of multiple widespread cutaneous lesions for several months following amputation of the infected digit and initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. These new cutaneous lesions may reflect local immune and inflammatory reactions to previously disseminated microorganisms.