Disseminated Mycobacteriosis Due to Mycobacterium abcessus in Two Recipients of Renal Homografts

During a 4-month period, 2 recipients of renal homografts developed infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus (M. chelonei). The infections were indolent and progressive, producing multiple subcutaneous abscesses and osteomyelitis, located primarily in the legs. Vigorous efforts did not identify intrahospital source(s) of infection. A skin test survey using mycobacterial antigens suggested that apparently healthy hospital personnel who cared for these patients were not themselves infected.