Recurrent Mycobacterium chelonae Skin Infection Unmasked as Factitious Disorder Using Bacterial Whole Genome Sequence Analysis

Mycobacterium chelonae infections usually resolve with adequate therapy. We report the case of an adolescent with a chronic and progressive M chelonae infection refractory to combined antimicrobial and surgical therapy. Whole genome sequence analysis of consecutive isolates distinguished reinfection from recurrence and contributed to the diagnosis of a factitious disorder.