Cutaneous infection with Mycobacterium gordonae.

A case of cutaneous infection with Mycobacterium gordonae and other reports of extrapulmonary infection due to this organism are reviewed. This case confirms the pathogenic potential of M. gordonae which must now be included among the scotochromogens capable of causing cutaneous disease. Isolates of this organism should be tested against a full range of antimicrobial agents since traditional antituberculous therapy may be of limited efficacy. Pending the results of in vitro susceptibility testing, amikacin, ethambutol, rifampicin and co-trimoxazole are suggested as empirical therapy for infections caused by this organism.