Mycobacterium wolinskyi

Mycobacterium wolinskyi is a rapidly growing mycobacterium most commonly seen in post-traumatic wound infections, especially those following open fractures and with associated osteomyelitis. Mycobacterium wolinskyi is clearly clinically significant, and occurs in the same settings as Mycobacterium smegmatis and members of the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex; they differ from members of the Mycobacterium fortuitum complex in the type of chronic lung disease they produce, with essentially all cases occurring in the setting of chronic lipoid pneumonia, either secondary to chronic oil ingestion or chronic aspiration (usually achalasia). Etymology: Wolinsky, named after Emanuel Wolinsky in honour of, and in recognition for, significant contributions to the study of the non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Microscopy Colony characteristics Physiology