Abdominal Soft Tissue Infection Caused by Mycobacterium wolinskyi After Cosmetic Surgery

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium wolinskyi is a rare, fast-growing, painful bacterium causing soft tissue infections. Sparse case reports focus on long-term intravenous antibiotic therapy and surgical interventions. We searched the literature and found almost no discussion about treatment from a nursing and wound care perspective. CASE: Ms P, a 30-year-old Arabic female patient, underwent cosmetic surgery in Iraq including liposuction, abdominoplasty, and herniorrhaphy. One month postoperatively, she presented with an infection identified as M. wolinskyi resulting in multiple hospital admissions. Ms P received treatment with long-term antibiotic therapy and underwent multiple surgical debridements with extensive wound care management. CONCLUSION: Mycobacterium wolinskyi is an exceedingly rare bacterium not typically seen in the clinical setting and requires prolonged and aggressive treatment. It is painful and fast-growing, as evidenced by multiple abscess formations and tissue necrosis in this case. Daily assessments and wound management using a collaborative approach were important to promote optimal healing.