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Aquatic hazard Mycobacterium marinum infection
L F Harris1, W H Striplin, R C Burnside
1School of Primary Medical Care, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Huntsville 35801.
Alabama Medicine : Journal of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Mycobacterium marinum infections, often from aquatic exposure, cause skin lesions and can affect deeper tissues. Treatment involves antibiotics like rifampin and ethambutol, with surgery for severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Mycobacterium marinum is an aquatic bacterium causing infections in humans.
- Infections typically arise from minor trauma involving contaminated water or marine life.
Observation:
- Two patients with M. marinum infection were studied.
- Clinical presentations ranged from superficial cutaneous lesions to deeper hand/wrist involvement and disseminated disease.
- Histopathology showed a mixed suppurative-granulomatous reaction with few acid-fast bacilli.
Findings:
- Definitive diagnosis relies on culturing M. marinum from affected specimens.
- Treatment strategies vary by disease severity: rifampin and ethambutol for advanced/deep infections, tetracyclines or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for early disease.
- Surgical debridement is indicated for persistent pain, sinus tracts, or post-corticosteroid injection.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering M. marinum in infections following aquatic exposure.
- Provides guidance on diagnostic approaches and tailored therapeutic regimens.
- Emphasizes the role of surgical intervention in refractory cases.