Mycobacterium marinum infections of the hand: a report of three cases

We report three cases of mycobacterium marinum infection, characterized by the long duration before a proper diagnosis was made. Mycobacterium marinum is a so-called atypical non-tuberculous mycobacterium, found in salt and fresh water, occasionally infecting humans. Most of the infections involve the fingers and hand, after exposure to contaminated water. It is commonly called fish tank infection. The clinical pictures can be very different: from a small cutaneous lesion to deep-seated infections of the tendon sheet or joint. Special transport and culture techniques are required for proper diagnosis. Besides surgical treatment of chronic skin lesions and deep infections, prolonged treatment with appropriate antibiotics is required.