National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Mycobacterium fortuitum


Other Names:
M. Fortuitum; Mycobacterium Fortuitum infection
Categories:
Mycobacterium fortuitum is a bacteria that can cause infections of many areas of the body including the skin, lymph nodes, and joints. It belongs to a group of bacteria, known as nontuberculous mycobacterium, as it is different from the Mycobacterium that causes tuberculosis. It can be found in natural and processed water, sewage, and dirt.[1][2]

Healthy people usually do not get Mycobacterium fortuitum infections; however, they may occur after surgery, in people with an impaired immune system, or after exposure to a contaminated medical device (such as an endoscope). It is uncommon for this condition to cause lung disease, but Mycobacterium fortuitum infection can lead to skin disease, osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone), joint infections, and eye disease. The signs and symptoms of infection differ depending on the infection site. Treatment also depends on the site of the infection, but usually includes prolonged use of antibiotics.[1][3]
Last updated: 2/22/2017
The treatment for an infection with Mycobacterium fortuitum differs depending on the area of the body affected. Treatment almost always includes prolonged use of at least two antibiotics, such as amikacin, cefoxitin, and ciprofloxacin. There are no guidelines regarding the length of time in which medication should be used; however, treatment usually lasts for several months and should continue until the signs and symptoms of infection have resolved.

Other treatment depending on the area and cause of the infection may include surgery to remove damaged tissue from infected wounds and removal of implanted medical devices (such an implantable cardioverter defibrillator).[1]
Last updated: 2/22/2017

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Where to Start

  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Mycobacterium fortuitum. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  • Following surgery for a mastectomy with a subsequent implant of a tissue expander and alloderm, I developed an infection which was identified as mycrobacterium fortuitum. Could this be a hospital acquired infection and does this type of infection get reported to the department of health? See answer


  1. Fritz JM. Mycobacterium Fortuitum. Medscape. October 5, 2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/222918.
  2. Sethi S, Arora S, Gupta V, Kumar S. Cutaneous Mycobacterium fortuitum Infection: Successfully Treated with Amikacin and Ofloxacin Combination. Indian J Dermatol.. July-August 2014; 59(4):383-384. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103276/.
  3. Kothavade RJ, Dhurat RS, Mishra SN, Kothavade UR. Clinical and laboratory aspects of the diagnosis and management of cutaneous and subcutaneous infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. February 2013; 32(2):161-188. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23139042.