Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are ubiquitous environmental organisms that rarely cause infections. Members of the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex have been isolated from soil and various water-related sources. 1 These opportunistic pathogens most commonly cause localized skin and soft tissue infections and are, together with M chelonae, responsible for most cases of catheter-related and postoperative wound infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGMs), 2 especially common after breast surgery.3
This report presents a case of breast infection caused by M fortuitum. The investigations undertaken to identify sources of infection along with potential prevention measures are discussed.