American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What type of infections is Mycobacterium fortuitum most commonly associated with?

1. Freshwater footbaths and swimming pools

2. Augmentation mammoplasty and open heart surgery

3. Animal bites and scratches

4. Outdoor recreational activities

The correct answer is: Augmentation mammoplasty and open heart surgery

Mycobacterium fortuitum is an atypical mycobacterium and is part of the Mycobacterium chelonae-Mycobacterium fortuitum complex, which is often recognized for its association with certain types of infections. The type of infections most commonly linked to Mycobacterium fortuitum includes surgical site infections, particularly those associated with cosmetic procedures such as augmentation mammoplasty, as well as infections related to open heart surgery. These infections arise because the bacterium is often found in the environment and can be introduced during surgical procedures where the skin is breached, leading to subsequent infections. Its connection to these specific surgical procedures makes it distinctive among the listed choices, as this organism is not typically linked to typical infections resulting from animal bites or outdoor activities, nor is it primarily associated with recreational water sources such as swimming pools. Understanding this context helps to reinforce the clinical association of Mycobacterium fortuitum with particular medical environments and surgical complications, highlighting the importance of infection control measures in surgical settings.