Outbreak of infections by Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. abscessus associated with cosmetic surgeries in the Brazil/Paraguay border: a binational cohort study, 2021-2022.

OBJECTIVE

Report on a field investigation into the outbreak of skin infections by Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. abscessus following cosmetic procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using secondary data from the Epidemiology Program Applied to SUS Services (EpiSUS) about the investigation conducted in 2022, in partnership with Paraguay's Field Epidemiology Training Program. Clinical, laboratory, and environmental information and surgical records were analyzed to characterize the cases, define the exposed population, and analyze the risk. Relative risk (RR) was estimated with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) and Fisher's exact test was used for statistical evaluation.

RESULTS

Of the 108 individuals who underwent surgery in the period investigated, 10 became ill. Relative risk of illness was 6.50 (95%CI 2.28; 18.49; p-value 0.003) for surgeries performed in the critical period (December to January) and 10.29 (95%CI 1.37; 77.19; p-value 0.004) for lipoabdominoplasty.

CONCLUSION

Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. abscessus outbreak occurred among women undergoing cosmetic surgeries performed by the same professional in a hospital in Paraguay, with a higher risk associated with a specific period and type of procedure. Our findings highlight the importance of health surveillance in bordering regions and international cooperation in response to cross-border events. Educational, regulatory, and inspection strategies targeting medical tourism are essential to prevent new events.