Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 31, 2025
07:00
Modeling Tuberculosis in Mycobacterium marinum Infected Adult Zebrafish
Published on: October 8, 2018
10.8K
Mycobacterium marinum cellulitis: A fishy etiology
Rachel E Bridwell1, Cody F Newell2, Brannon L Inman2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Jackson Ave., Tacoma, WA 98341, United States.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|August 25, 2022
Summary
Mycobacterium marinum, a bacteria from saltwater exposure, can cause challenging skin infections like cellulitis. Early diagnosis and biopsy are crucial for proper treatment to prevent severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Skin and soft tissue infections are common emergency department visits.
- Unusual bacteria from saltwater exposure can cause significant morbidity.
- Mycobacterium marinum is a rare but significant cause of cellulitis.
Observation:
- Mycobacterium marinum infections have a prolonged incubation period of about 21 days.
- Patients typically present with a nodular rash in a sporotrichoid pattern.
- Diagnosis is challenging due to the delayed onset and atypical presentation.
Findings:
- Doxycycline offers some saltwater coverage, but M. marinum shows variable sensitivity to anti-mycobacterial drugs.
- Skin biopsy is essential for confirming M. marinum diagnosis and determining antibiotic sensitivities.
- Prompt and accurate diagnosis is key to preventing progression to dactylitis or osteomyelitis.
Implications:
- Emergency clinicians must consider M. marinum in cellulitis cases, especially with atypical skin presentations and a history of environmental exposure.
- Inquiring about environmental risk factors, such as saltwater contact, is vital for identifying potential M. marinum infections.
- Biopsy-guided treatment is recommended due to variable antibiotic sensitivities, ensuring effective management of M. marinum infections.
