Tattoo-Associated Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Skin Infections—Multiple States, 2011-2012

Permanent tattoos have become increasingly common, with 21% of adults in the US reporting having at least one tattoo. On rare occasions, outbreaks of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) skin infections have been reported after tattooing. In January 2012, public health officials in New York received reports of Mycobacterium chelonae skin infections in 14 New York residents who received tattoos during September-December 2011. All infections were associated with use of the same nationally distributed, prediluted gray ink manufactured by company A. Here, Bedard et al report tattoo-associated nontuberculous mycobacterial skin infections in multiple states of US. Public health investigations by CDC, state and local health departments, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found NTM contamination in tattoo inks used in two of five identified clusters. All infected persons were exposed to one of four different brands of ink. "A CDC editorial note is included."