| rapidly growing mycobacteria associated with laparoscopic gastric banding, australia, 2005-2011. | laparoscopic gastric banding is a common bariatric procedure worldwide. rapidly growing mycobacteria are environmental organisms increasingly seen as pathogens,often in infected prosthetic material. we report 18 cases of infection associated with laparoscopic gastric banding caused by mycobacterium fortuitum and m. abscessus in australia during 2005–2011. we identified cases by reviewing positive cultures at the queensland state reference laboratory or through correspondence with clinicians, and ... | 2014 | 25279450 |