Epidemiology and clinical outcomes in skin and soft tissue nontuberculous mycobacteria infections: A retrospective study

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging pathogens responsible for increasing skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) globally. However, the diagnosis and treatment of NTM SSTIs face significant challenges due to the lack of standardized guidelines. This study reviewed the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes of NTM SSTIs in a large cohort from a tertiary referral center in Beijing, China. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 142 patients diagnosed with NTM SSTIs at a tertiary hospital from 2014 to 2023. Data collected included clinical presentation, microbiologic and histopathologic findings, diagnostic methods, treatment regimens, and outcomes. The patients were categorized based on NTM species, and immunocompromised status. Results: The cohort included patients with various NTM species, with M. marinum, M. avium complex (MAC), and M. abscessus complex (MABC) being the most common. The number of patients with NTM infections increased annually (p