<i>Mycobacterium abscessus</i> infections following injection of botulinum toxin

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Mycobacterium abscessus infections has increased in recent years. Some of these infections are caused by invasive cosmetic procedures. AIMS: Raising the awareness of cosmetic procedure related Mycobacterium abscessus infection for clinicians. PATIENTS/METHODS: We presented a 28-year-old woman who developed multiple erythema and painful nodules in her lower extremities after injections of botulinum toxin. RESULTS: Mycobacterium culture and strain identification of the tissue confirmed Mycobacterium abscessus. Combination antibiotics therapy was given and the lesion healed with scar and pigmentation. CONCLUSION: Mycobacterium abscessus infections following injection of botulinum toxin are rare and easily misdiagnosed as common suppurative infections. Early microbiologic tests are necessary for diagnose. Standardized operation should be performed to avoid this particular infection.