Cutaneous M ycobacterium massiliense infection associated with cupping therapy

Summary Nontuberculous mycobacteria ( NTM ) are ubiquitous organisms that are now seen as emerging human pathogens. NTM infections are very difficult to diagnose and treat, therefore a high index of clinical suspicion is needed for diagnosis. Cutaneous NTM infections have been primarily reported associated with previous invasive procedures. We report the case of a healthy 59‐year‐old woman who developed recurring abdominal skin lesions caused by M ycobacterium massiliense after she underwent noninvasive cupping therapy. We identified the pathogen using a PCR assay targeting the erm (41) gene of the bacterium. The patient was treated successfully by en bloc excision and long‐term antibiotic treatment. This case shows that cutaneous infection with M . massiliense may occur in an immunocompetent person without an antecedent invasive procedure.