Clinical, microbiological, and epidemiological findings of an outbreak of Mycobacterium abscessus hand-and-foot disease.
In 2003, we identified an outbreak of clinically distinct lesions involving the hands and feet associated with a public wading pool in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. A total of 85 cases were identified. The management and follow-up of 41 children and 1 adult patients is presented. Skin lesions occurred within a median incubation period of 29 days and approximately 88 days for the adult patient. Lesions resolved within a median of 58 days and approximately 150 days for the adult patient. Patients were treated with clarithromycin, topical antibiotic dressings, and/or incision and drainage of pustules or followed without treatment. All resolved without complication. The pool was closed and cleaned. The M. abscessus hand-and-foot disease is characterized by the onset, mainly in children, of tender, erythematous papules, pustules, and abscesses with a self-limited course. This is the first documented M. abscessus outbreak associated with wading pool exposure.
Dytoc
Marlene T
MT
Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G3. research@mdskinhealth.com
Honish
Lance
L
Shandro
Cary
C
Ting
Patricia T
PT
Chui
Linda
L
Fiorillo
Loretta
L
Robinson
Joan
J
Fanning
Anne
A
Predy
Gerry
G
Rennie
Robert P
RP
D000293:Adolescent; D000416:Alberta / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009164:Mycobacterium Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D013551:Swimming Pools