OUTBREAK OF RAPIDLY GROWING NONTUBERCULOUS MYCOBACTERIA (NTM) INFECTION AFTER SURGICAL AESTHETIC PROCEDURES IN THE CITY OF BELO HORIZONTE/MG: A CASE SERIES

Infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), especially rapidly growing species such as Mycobacterium abscessus , have emerged as a relevant cause of skin and soft tissue infections associated with aesthetic procedures. The dissemination of these pathogens is often related to invasive procedures and failures in biosafety practices. In 2024, an outbreak of NTM infection was identified in patients who underwent submental liposuction in a dental clinic in Belo Horizonte/MG. This study aimed to characterize the clinical-epidemiological, microbiological, and therapeutic profile of cases related to the outbreak. Observational, descriptive study with retrospective analysis of medical records of patients diagnosed with NTM infection after a surgical procedure at the involved clinic. Of the 29 patients reported to epidemiological surveillance, 15 were initially treated at a public reference hospital in Belo Horizonte; two patients were lost to follow-up, resulting in 13 patients included in the analysis. Variables analyzed included demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, microbiological data, instituted treatment, and clinical outcomes. Most patients had initial symptoms within up to 15 days after the procedure, characterized by edema, pain, local heat, nodules, abscesses, and spontaneous drainage of secretion. All patients underwent surgical debridement, with culture isolation of M. abscessus . Eleven patients received antimicrobial treatment with an initial regimen containing amikacin, clarithromycin, and clofazimine for 1 to 3 months (intensive phase), followed by clarithromycin and clofazimine until completing at least 6 months (maintenance phase). One patient did not receive antimicrobial treatment due to pregnancy and another due to logistical barriers related to access to medication. Both evolved with clinical improvement only with surgical debridement. Early diagnosis and specialized management are fundamental to reduce morbidity and control NTM infections. The satisfactory clinical response observed in the two patients not treated with antimicrobials suggests that, in selected cases of superficial and limited infections, isolated surgical treatment may be considered.