Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing mycobacterium that is a common water contaminant. It was until recently (1992) thought to be a subspecies of Mycobacterium chelonae. M. abscessus can cause chronic lung disease, post-traumatic wound infections, persistent culture-negative skin infections and disseminated cutaneous diseases, mostly in patients with suppressed immune systems. It is classified as a rapid growing mycobacterium.