Minor infections with M. abscessus can resolve either spontaneously or following surgical debridement.  The majority of pulmonary M. abscessus infection are chronic and incurable. When pulmonary M. abscessus infection occurs in the absence of any predisposing conditions, the course of the disease is slowly progressive and indolent. Whereas, when the pulmonary infection is associated with underlying predisposing factors, such as gastrointestinal or pulmonary conditions, the disease is rapidly progressive and fulminant.
What to expect if I have Mycobacterium abscessus  (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Minor infections with M. abscessus can resolve either spontaneously or following surgical debridement.  The majority of pulmonary M. abscessus infection are chronic and incurable. When pulmonary M. abscessus infection occurs in the absence of any predisposing conditions, the course of the disease is slowly progressive and indolent. Whereas, when the pulmonary infection is associated with underlying predisposing factors, such as gastrointestinal or pulmonary conditions, the disease is rapidly progressive and fulminant.