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Case Report: An unexpected diagnosis of cutaneous Mycobacterium marinum infection based on potato dextrose agar culture

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are slender, non-motile, acid-fast bacilli widely distributed in diverse environmental reservoirs across the globe. In recent years, the incidence of NTM-related diseases has risen significantly, leading to their recognition as major emerging human pathogens. Cutaneous NTM infections typically arise following traumatic injury, surgical intervention, or cosmetic procedures. Due to their heterogeneous clinical presentations, these infections often pose diagnostic challenges. Löwenstein-Jensen medium and Middlebrook medium are widely employed in mycobacterial microbiology and are capable of supporting the growth of most NTM. However, their high cost and limited availability pose significant challenges for implementation in resource-limited settings (RLS). Previously, we successfully isolated a strain of Mycobacterium marinum from a clinical sample using potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. This finding suggests that PDA may be applicable for the primary culture of NTM, particularly M. marinum . For RLS, this medium could represent a beneficial alternative to traditional mycobacterial culture media.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1709332

Authors: Xiujiao Xia, Jiajia Li, Zehu Liu

Institutions: Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Third People's Hospital of Hangzhou

Language: English

Topic: Mycobacterium research and diagnosis

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801