Matic, Sladjana (59457391400)Sladjana (59457391400)MaticTeodosic, Valerija (58875690000)Valerija (58875690000)TeodosicZagorac, Slavisa (23487471100)Slavisa (23487471100)Zagorac2025-06-122025-06-122024https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1482236https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85211000725&doi=10.3389%2ffmed.2024.1482236&partnerID=40&md5=b93ca144c7030d502c64e8db7538979chttps://remedy.med.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/1335Hand infection caused by atypical mycobacteria is an uncommon condition. We present a case of hand infection caused by Mycobacterium chelonae in a patient who had undergone acupuncture. The clinical features, treatment, and outcome are described. Biopsy and cultures are essential for the diagnosis because Mycobacterium chelonae is a rare cause of human infection and is difficult to diagnose unless suspected. The patient was successfully treated through a combination of surgical excision, debridement, and antimicrobial therapy. We also reviewed the available literature to summarize the experience related to this infectious entity. Copyright © 2024 Matic, Teodosic and Zagorac.acupuncturehand infectionMycobacterium chelonaenon tubercolous mycobacteriasurgical excision