Five clusters of skin infections have been linked to tattoos in the US. Investigators state that the source of bacteria was the ink itself and although tattoo artists should use sterile water and needles, there is no guarantee of safety if the ink is contaminated. The bacteria that caused these outbreaks of tattoo-related infections are Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium abscessus, which are common in drinking water. “It’s unfortunate that they can do everything right, but if the manufacturer doesn’t supply them with sterile ink product it still results in them giving their clients infections,” says CDC epidemiologist, Tara MacCannell.
