Cosmetic operative care abroad leads to a multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium abscessus infection in a patient: a case report

INTRODUCTION: The Mycobacterium abscessus complex is a nontuberculous mycobacteria species that is pervasive in soil and water. Various medical equipment malfunctions, infected surfaces, and patient transmission are potential causes of Mycobacterium abscessus infection in the hospital environment. These cases have an annual prevalence that ranges from 1.4 to 6.6 per 100,000 infections, mainly increasing. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 23-year-old American female patient who presented to the emergency room with significant abdominal pain between low pelvic sutures and the umbilicus. She reported abdominal pain, pruritus, and boils on her back preventing her from standing upright. The symptoms occurred in the liposuction area after cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic. The clinical, radiological, and cultural findings helped diagnose Mycobacterium abscessus infection. We conducted a mini literature review on the published reports of Mycobacterium abscessus. CONCLUSION: Mycobacterium abscessus infection may occur due to surgical procedures abroad. Measures are required to combat Mycobacterium abscessus and reduce its prevalence in hospital settings.