A Case of Fastidious Mycobacterium chelonae-Causative Cellulitis: Clinical Manifestations of a Rare Bacterial Infection

Cellulitis is rarely caused by the organism Mycobacterium chelonae (M. chelonae). In this case report, we detail the clinical course of a 43-year-old female with persistent cellulitis in her right lower extremity despite intensive empiric therapy. The patient was formally diagnosed with Mycobacterium chelonae-causative cellulitis after an extensive workup including a prolonged hospital stay involving surgical biopsy and a delayed result of an acid-fast bacilli stain. The patient was treated appropriately, including a complete resolution of symptoms, with an extended regimen of clarithromycin and doxycycline to target M. chelonae.