Description
M. fortuitum is a Gram-positive bacteria hat can cause infections. Pulmonary infections of M. fortuitum are uncommon, but Mycobacterium fortuitum can cause local skin disease, osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone), joint infections and infections of the eye after trauma.
Mycobacterium fortuitum has a worldwide distribution and can be found in natural and processed water, sewage, and dirt.
M. fortuitum infection can be a nosocomial disease. Surgical sites may become infected after the wound is exposed directly or indirectly to contaminated tap water. Other possible sources of M. fortuitum infection include implanted devices such as catheters, injection site abscesses, and contaminated endoscopes.
