Which Mycobacterium species is associated with rapidly growing infections?

The Mycobacterium species associated with rapidly growing infections is Mycobacterium chelonae. This species is classified as a non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) and is known for its rapid growth in culture, typically within 7 days. M. chelonae is often implicated in skin and soft tissue infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, and can also be a cause of pulmonary infections.

In contrast, M. tuberculosis and M. bovis are both part of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and are more associated with slow-growing tuberculosis infections rather than rapidly growing ones. M. interjectum, while also a non-tuberculous mycobacterium, does not have the same rapid growth characteristics as M. chelonae and is less commonly associated with clinical infections. Therefore, the identification of M. chelonae as the rapidly growing species is key in diagnosing and managing infections caused by this organism.