Mycobacterium chelonae corrig. Bergey et al. 1923 (Approved Lists 1980)
Mycobacterium chelonei Bergey et al. 1923 (Approved Lists 1980)
Mycobacteroides chelonae (formerly Mycobacterium chelonae[2]) is a species of bacteria from the phylum Actinomycetota belonging to the genus Mycobacteroides. Mycobacteroides chelonae is a rapidly growing mycobacterium that is found all throughout the environment, including sewage and tap water. It can occasionally cause opportunistic infections of humans.
It is grouped in Runyon group IV.[4]
Mycobacteroides chelonae abscesses associated with biomesotherapy, an alternative therapy practice. (The abscesses are at the biomesotherapy injection site.)
On average, two cases of nonpulmonary M. chelonae infection are reported in South Australia each year.[6] This bacterium is capable of causing skin, soft tissue, and bone infections, particularly after trauma and surgery. It has been documented as a cause of breast infections after nipple piercing.