Learn

Mycobacterium marinum is a slow growing, non‐tuberculous, acid‐fast, non‐motile bacillus that thrives in temperate, hot and humid aquatic environments. Inoculation can occur through occupational and recreational exposure, typically following a traumatic injury in a contaminated salt‐ or freshwater environment. The association with fish tanks is classical, earning the disease the moniker “fish tank granuloma”. In a series of 63 cases from France, 84% were linked to fish tank exposure. 

In Australia, however, exposure to M. marinum is more likely to occur from outdoor activities. The clinical appearance is a solitary, red‐to‐violaceous papule, nodule or plaque on the extremities. The surface may be crusted or verrucous and may progress to ulceration or disseminated infection in severe cases. The infection may extend to deeper tissues, causing tenosynovitis, osteomyelitis or septic arthritis. Affected individuals may delay seeking treatment for several months, as infection can be indolent and painless. Lesions may also heal spontaneously.

This MJA medical education shares more.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain key components of the article
2. List main findings
3. Determine best treatment protocol for patients impacted by mycobacterium marinum to minimise infection.

Details

Authors: Ruby C Lee, Kennedy Wong, Yolanka Lobo and Heba Jibreal

Article Type: Medical Education