Mycobacterium fortuitum-induced surgical wound infection - a case report

A 53-year-old healthy lady who underwent a planned laparoscopic surgery for the removal of gall stones presented with mildly tender fluctuant swelling along the line of surgical scar which did not respond in spite of various antibiotics. Gram smear and bacterial culture did not yield any organism. Diagnosis of atypical mycobacteria rapid grower (M. chelonae-fortuitum complex) was made which was confirmed later to be M. fortuitum. This case highlights the importance of strict aseptic precautions even during the minor procedures.