Outbreak of Mycobacterium haemophilum infections after permanent makeup of the eyebrows

Clin Infect Dis. 2011 Feb 15;52(4):488-91. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciq191. Epub 2011 Jan 22.

Abstract

We report a Mycobacterium haemophilum outbreak after permanent make-up of the eyebrows performed by the same freelance artist. Twelve patients presented an eyebrow lesion and cervical lymphadenitis. All were treated with antibiotics. Surgery was required in 10 cases. M. haemophilum DNA was identified in the make-up ink.

MeSH terms

  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Eyebrows / microbiology*
  • Eyebrows / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium Infections / diagnosis*
  • Mycobacterium Infections / epidemiology*
  • Mycobacterium Infections / microbiology
  • Mycobacterium Infections / pathology
  • Mycobacterium haemophilum / isolation & purification*
  • Tattooing / adverse effects*
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / complications
  • Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / diagnosis*