Mycobacterium marinum with different responses to second-generation tetracyclines
Deborah L Cummins1, Davi Delacerda, Francisco A Tausk
1Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-0900, USA.
Background:
Persistent cutaneous infections with Mycobacterium marinum can follow exposure of injured skin to contaminated water or fish, and can be treated with second-generation tetracyclines in addition to other antimicrobials. Due to the rarity of this infection, there are few data comparing the different treatment alternatives.
Methods:
We report a patient with culture-proven M. marinum who was treated with two different second-generation tetracyclines.
Results:
Our patient failed a 4-week trial of doxycycline, but responded rapidly to minocycline.
Conclusion:
This case suggests that, despite a similar mechanism, pharmacokinetics, and even sensitivity, these two agents may differ in their effectiveness against strains of M. marinum.
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