Mycobacterium marinum remains an unrecognized cause of indolent skin infections

Julie Steinbrink; Molara Alexis; Daniella Angulo-Thompson; Mayur Ramesh; George Alangaden; Marisa H Miceli

Mycobacterium marinum remains an unrecognized cause of indolent skin infections

Cutis. 2017 Nov;100(5):331-336.

Authors

Julie Steinbrink¹, Molara Alexis², Daniella Angulo-Thompson³, Mayur Ramesh², George Alangaden², Marisa H Miceli⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA.
² Infectious Diseases Section and the Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
³ Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
⁴ Division of Infectious Diseases and the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA.

PMID: 29232419

Abstract

We identified 5 patients who had cutaneous lesions with cultures that yielded Mycobacterium marinum. It was discovered that all 5 patients had a home aquarium, and infection was preceded by trauma to the hand. However, the association between the development of the infection and exposure of the trauma site to the aquarium was not initially established until repeated questioning was performed. Skin biopsies or incision and drainage were performed for all patients, and the diagnosis was established by culture of the specimens. The mean time from initial presentation to diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment was 91 days (range, 21-245 days). Prolonged therapy for 2 to 6 months was necessary for resolution of the infection.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
Biopsy / methods
Diagnosis, Differential
Doxycycline / administration & dosage*
Female
Hand Injuries* / complications
Hand Injuries* / microbiology
Humans
Macrolides / administration & dosage*
Male
Middle Aged
Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / diagnosis
Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / etiology
Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / physiopathology
Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / therapy
Mycobacterium marinum / isolation & purification*
Paracentesis / methods*
Skin / pathology*
Skin Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis
Skin Diseases, Bacterial / etiology
Skin Diseases, Bacterial / physiopathology
Skin Diseases, Bacterial / therapy
Treatment Outcome

Substances

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Macrolides
Doxycycline