Patógenos emergentes multirresistentes: complejo Mycobacterium abscessus

Abstract

The Mycobacterium abscessus complex comprehends the most pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant species of rapidly-growing mycobacteria (RGM). These are frequently isolated in clinical specimens, mainly in skin and soft tissue infections associated with surgical and cosmetic procedures, as well as in patients with cystic fibrosis or chronic lung disease. Although the true prevalence and incidence of RGM infections is unknown, in the last 3 decades there has been a significant increase of localized and disseminated infections caused by the M. abscessus complex, as well as outbreaks of intrahospital infections by contamination of medical equipment. The M. abscessus complex is endowed with virulence factors (mycobacterial and non-mycobacterial) that facilitate the recognition by diverse receptors in macrophages and dendritic cells and interfere with the natural microbiocidal mechanisms of the host. In this article, we discuss relevant aspects of M. abscessus species infections, including their biology, epidemiology, treatment and importance of the antimicrobial resistance of this group of microorganisms.