Ann Dermatol Venereol. 1997 ; 124(10): 710-2.

[BCG-induced mycobacterium infection induced by alternative medicine]

Paul C, Burguiere AM, Vincent V, Susbielle P, Bonvalet D, Dubertret L.

HÃ´pital Saint Louis, Paris. carle.paul@chustlouis.fr

INTRODUCTION: Mesotherapy is an alternative medical process defined by the intradermal injection of small amounts of pharmacological substances. It has been associated with the development of mycobacterial infections. CASE REPORT: A 80-year-old woman presented with a Mycobacterium bovis infection of the face following mesotherapy. Genome analysis of the mycobacterial strain isolated from a skin lesion using pulse-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated the presence of a vaccinal strain identical to the one employed by the same physician to vaccinate a child two hours before. DISCUSSION: Given the severity of mycobacterial infections following mesotherapy and given the lack of evidence about its efficacy, mesotherapy should not be performed on the face. Standardisation of aseptic measures in the daily medical practice could prevent such infectious complications.