Topically acquired bacterial zoonoses from fish: a review

The main pathogens acquired topically from fish (through spine puncture or open wounds) are Aeromonas hydrophila, Edwardsiella tarda, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Mycobacterium marinum, Streptococcus iniae, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio damsela. S. iniae has recently emerged as a public health hazard associated with aquaculture, and M. marinum often infects home aquarium hobbyists. With the expansion of aquaculture and popularity of recreational fishing in Australia, medical practitioners can expect to see more infections of this nature. Diagnosis and treatment may be difficult, especially in view of emerging antibiotic resistance in fish pathogens.