General Information: Mycobacterium abscessus, formerly Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. abscessus, is a rapid-growing Mycobacterium sp., commonly isolated from soil and water. This organism causes a chronic lung infection, similar to tuberculosis, in patients with cystic fibrosis. Mycobacterium abscessus also causes wound and ear infections, and in immunosuppressed patients causes a generalized skin infection. This organism is very resistant to many commonly used antibiotics, which makes treatment difficult.