Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections and Management for the Inpatient Dermatologist

Purpose of ReviewTo improve recognition of skin and soft tissue infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and provide guidance on diagnostic work-up and treatment for the inpatient dermatologist, with a focus on recent literature (2018-2023).Recent FindingsThe prevalence of NTM skin and soft tissue infections has increased in the last few decades. Histopathology and tissue culture are imperative to make a diagnosis. Matrix-assisted laser deionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is used with increasing frequency to accelerate diagnosis of NTM. Dual antibiotic therapy is recommended to decrease resistance, particularly in rapidly growing bacteria (RGM).SummaryNTM, particularly RGM, are rare sources of skin and soft tissue infections in hospitalized patients that have high morbidity and mortality. The inpatient dermatologist must maintain a high index of suspicion for NTM cutaneous lesions to initiate work-up and treatment.