the following information is not yet verified
M. abscessus belongs to the family of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) classified in the rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM)

Taxonomy
Family: Mycobacteriaceae
M. abscessus ssp abscessus
M. abscessus ssp massiliense
M. abscessus ssp bolletii

Natural habitats / RGM
They are ubiquitous in soil, water and dust.
It has been known to contaminate medications and products, including medical devices.

General information
Infections caused by M. absessus complex, are more difficult to treat because of antimicrobial drug resistance.

M. abscessus can cause a variety of infections such as post traumatic wound infection and disseminated cutaneous diseases and chronic otitis media, bacteremia and ocular and other infections..

It is also cause of serious lung infections in persons with various chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis.

Symptoms
Skin is usually red, warm, tender to the touch, swollen and painful.
Other signs of infection are fever, chills, muscle aches, and a general feeling of illnes.