Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Superinfection Delaying the Diagnosis of an Atypical Mycobacteria Infection: Report of a Case

The incidence of tattoos infected by atypical mycobacteria is on the rise over the past decade. We report a patient who developed an atypical mycobacteria infection from suspected dilution of tattoo pigment by tap water. This patient’s initial course was complicated by a secondary infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, thus making the underlying condition a diagnostic dilemma. To facilitate a timely diagnosis, a high index of suspicion for atypical mycobacteria must be maintained when encountering inflammatory papules, plaques, nodules, and pustules in the distribution of a tattoo.