Cutaneous non-tuberculous Mycobacterium ulcerans Infection: A serious
cause of concern
Abstract
A 14-year-old gelding in the Southeastern region of Australia was
diagnosed with Mycobacterium ulcerans infection, initially
presenting as a non-healing wound of the right flank progressing to
extensive necrotic ulceration. Ziehl-Neelsen and Wade-Fite stained
incisional biopsies revealed large numbers of intralesional acid-fast
bacterial rods predominately within the areas of necrosis, supportive of
Mycobacterium ulcerans infection. Real-time polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of mycobacteria. The close
relationship between M. ulcerans and M. marinum meant that
PCR was unable to distinguish these species. Due to the equine host and
non-aquatic environment there was a presumptive diagnosis of M.
ulcerans. Multimodal treatment involved surgical debridement,
biological debridement with maggots, cryotherapy, systemic
antimicrobials and analgesia. The horse had made a full recovery at the
time of publication. Infection with M. ulcerans needs to be
considered in necrotizing soft-tissue lesions in regions where the
organism is endemic, but it also needs further investigation due to the
zoonotic nature of M. ulcerans with potential public health
concerns.