Mycobacterium terrae tenosynovitis.

Atypical mycobacteria causing extra-pulmonary disease in man are well documented. These infections are manifested by the presence of ulcers, abscesses and lymphadenitis. Mycobacterium marinum is particularly noted for infections involving the synovium, tendon sheaths, bursae and bone. Of lesser note is Mycobacterium terrae (radish bacillus), a nonchromogen also associated with tenosynovitis. We are not aware of any previous report of the association of M. terrae with synovitis in Australia. This case report describes a culture-proven case of tenosynovitis caused by M. terrae.