Mycobacterium marinum infections

Category

Infection, Occupational

Acute/Chronic

Subacute

Synonyms

Fish-Fancier's finger; Swimming pool granuloma;

Biomedical References

Comments

INITIAL SYMPTOMS:
Papule usually on the upper extremity; Papule ulcerates and scar tissue develops; Ascending nodular lymphangitis is observed in some patients; [ATS/IDSA Statement: Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Diseases]

Mycobacterium marinum is a common nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection. It is an occupational hazard for aquarium and fish tank attendants and swimming pool cleaners. In some cases, the infection may resemble sporotrichosis with ulcerating papules or nodules that ascend the arm or leg following regional lymphatic vessels. In some cases, deep infections cause tenosynovitis. Patients with AIDS are at increased risk for this infection. [LaDou, p. 288; Guerrant, p. 245-6] M. marinum is one of the common causes of nodular lymphangitis in the USA. Other NTM also cause nodular lymphangitis. [Am Fam Physician 2001;63:326-32] The skin lesion is a chronic nodule, ulcer, or warty growth at the site of a previous abrasion, commonly at the elbow or knee. [PPID, p. 1235] Osteomyelitis has been reported. [ID, p. 2189] Deep infections can involve tendon, joint, and bone. [ABX Guide: Mycobacterium marinum]

For updated text and symptoms of infectious diseases, see iddx.com.

Latency/Incubation

Typically 2-4 weeks, but can be longer; [ABX Guide]

Diagnostic

Clinical; Biopsy with histological examination and culture;

ICD-9 Code

031.1

ICD-10 Code

A31.1

Effective Antimicrobics

Yes

IDdx Link

Image

Symptoms/Findings

Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:

• papules or plaques
• skin infection

Job Tasks

High risk job tasks associated with this disease:

• Clean pools or aquariums
• Touch infected fish or shellfish

Agents

Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease:

• Mycobacterium marinum