Successful application of ALA-PDT in rare cutaneous infection of Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum

Skin infections caused by Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum (MP) are extremely rare in clinical practice. In view of its potential hazard of spreading to systemic infection, correct diagnosis and effective treatment are extremely important. Due to the highly similar appearance of lymphangitic sporotrichosis (LS) and swimming pool granuloma (SPG) caused by Mycobacterium marinum (MM), MP infection is easily misdiagnosed as the above two skin diseases. Here, we report successful application of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) in the treatment of a rare case of upper limb skin MP infection, providing reference for more safe and efficient disposal of such cases in clinic.