Rapidly Growing Mycobacterium in Postsurgical Wounds: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria (RGM) are extensively found in nature and is isolated as an environmental saprophyte from water sources and soil. The incidence of these opportunistic pathogens has increased in the recent years as nosocomial outbreaks, with an exaggerated outcome of morbidity and resistant antibiotic intervention. Aim: To assess the occurrence of rapidly growing mycobacteria in postsurgical wounds. Materials and Methods: Literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus of published articles in English language from March 2010 to December 2020 were anlaysed for the predetermined outcomes. Keywords used for the literature search were “atypical mycobacteria”; “non tuberculous mycobacteria”; “rapidly progressing mycobacteria”; “RGM”; “postsurgical wounds”; “surgical site infection”; “wound site”; “port hole infections”. A total of 10 studies adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were included for statistical analysis. OpenMeta-Analyst software was used. Results: A prevalence of 56.4% (95% CI: 33.0; 79.8) was noted in 592 patients evaluated postsurgically. The articles included were of fair quality when assessed on Ottawa scale. M.Chelonae, M.Abscessus, M.fortuitum and M.massiliense were the most commonly isolated organisms. Clarithromycin, Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin, Imepenem and Linezolids were administered as antibiotic intervention. Conclusion: Considering the higher prevalence of RGM infection (56.40%), every surgeon must consider the possibility of this opportunistic infection. It is vital to address this issue to eliminate the risk of severe outcome.