Mycobacterium phocaicum

Mycobacterium phocaicum is a species of bacteria belonging to the genus Mycobacterium. It is a non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) and is considered a rare pathogen in humans.

Taxonomy

Mycobacterium phocaicum is a member of the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex, a group of rapidly growing, non-tuberculous mycobacteria. The species was first described in 2003 by Kazue Nakanaga and colleagues, who isolated it from a patient with a skin infection.

Characteristics

Like other mycobacteria, Mycobacterium phocaicum is a Gram-positive, acid-fast bacterium. It is a rapidly growing species, with colonies appearing on solid media within three days. The bacterium is capable of surviving in a wide range of environments, including water and soil.

Pathogenicity

Mycobacterium phocaicum is considered a rare pathogen in humans. It has been associated with skin and soft tissue infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The bacterium has also been isolated from respiratory samples, although its role in lung disease is not well understood.

Treatment

Treatment of infections caused by Mycobacterium phocaicum can be challenging due to the bacterium's inherent resistance to many antibiotics. However, the species is typically susceptible to macrolides, quinolones, and aminoglycosides. Treatment regimens should be guided by susceptibility testing and often involve combination therapy with multiple antibiotics.

See also

• Mycobacterium
• Non-tuberculous mycobacteria
• Mycobacterium fortuitum