Mycobacterium marinum as a cause of skin chronic granulomatous in the hand

Background: Mycobacterium marinum infection has a worldwide distribution and the organism occupies many aquatic environments. Infections in human consist of nodular cutaneous lesions that can progress to tenosynovitis, arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Case presentation: A 27-year-old man was presented with a history of swelling and exudative erythematous lesions and pustules of the right forearm. He worked as a laborer at an aquarium store. A smear from the walls of the necrotic center when stained for acid-fast bacilli revealed organisms consistent with mycobacteria. Conclusion: Cutaneous nodular lesion on the hand or forearm of the patient working in aquatic environment, M marinum should be considered in the differential diagnosis.