Seal finger: a literature review

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Infections
• Marine Mammal Health

Background:

• Seal finger is a rare zoonotic bacterial infection transmitted from seals to humans.
• First documented in 1907, it remains under-researched despite increasing human interaction with Arctic wildlife.
• The infection is often misdiagnosed or untreated due to low awareness among healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the history, prevalence, at-risk populations, and treatment of seal finger.
• To highlight the need for increased research and physician education.
• To improve diagnosis and management of this zoonotic disease.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of multiple scientific databases was conducted.
• Data on seal finger's history, prevalence, affected populations, and treatments were evaluated.
• Literature was analyzed to assess current understanding and identify research gaps.

Main Results:

• Seal finger primarily affects individuals with close contact with marine mammals.
• Symptoms often mimic panaritium, leading to delayed or incorrect treatment.
• Inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to disease progression and complications.

Conclusions:

• Timely diagnosis and effective treatment, such as tetracycline, are essential for preventing seal finger complications.
• Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and improve diagnostic accuracy.
• Enhanced physician education in relevant settings is critical for recognizing and treating seal finger effectively.