Mycobacterium marinum infection in fish and man: epidemiology, pathophysiology and management; a review

Abstract

Mycobacterium marinum is an opportunistic pathogen inducing infection in fresh and marine water fish. This pathogen causes necrotizing granuloma like tuberculosis, morbidity and mortality in fish. The cell wall-associated lipid phthiocerol dimycocerosates, phenolic glycolipids and ESAT-6 secretion system 1 (ESX-1) are the conserved virulence determinant of the organism. Human infections with Mycobacterium marinum hypothetically are classified into four clinical categories (type I-type IV) and have been associated with the exposure of damaged skin to polluted water from fish pools or contacting objects contaminated with infected fish. Fish mycobacteriosis is clinically manifested and characterized in man by purple painless nodules, liable to develop into superficial crusting ulceration with scar formation. Early laboratory diagnosis of M. marinum including histopathology, culture and PCR is essential and critical as the clinical response to antibiotics requires months to be attained. The pathogenicity and virulence determinants of M. marinum need to be thoroughly and comprehensively investigated and understood. In spite of accumulating information on this pathogen, the different relevant data should be compared, connected and globally compiled. This article is reviewing the epidemiology, virulence factors, diagnosis and disease management in fish while casting light on the potential associated public health hazards.

Renibacterium salmoninarum and Mycobacterium spp.: two bacterial pathogens present at low levels in wild brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) populations in Austrian rivers

“…For the procedure designed by Talaat et al [49], a first round of reaction was performed using the primers T 39 and T 13 while in the second round, 2 μl of PCR product were utilized as DNA template with this primer pair (T43 and T531). The amplification program of the both round consist of one cycle of 95°C for 5 min, followed by 30 cycles of 94°C for 1 min, 50C°for 1 min and extension at 72°C for 1 min.…”

“…Internal signs associated with Mycobacterium sp. infections are somewhat more specific and include organomegaly (spleen, kidney, and liver) with white and greyish nodules that can be observed in muscles [20,27,39]. Virulence of Mycobacterium sp.…”

Mycobacteriosis and Infections with Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria in Aquatic Organisms: A Review

“…However, despite their frequency and prevalence, they have only been the subject of comparatively limited research. The present review, therefore, aims at providing an easily accessible and up to date overview of mycobacteriosis in aquatic organisms (the most recent review, published by Hashish et al, was published in 2018 and focused on Mycobacterium marinum ) [ 1 ]. In particular, we aim at helping with the diagnostic of the disease by making clinical practitioners more aware of its common occurrence, as well as provide a list of up to date methods for its diagnostic.…”

Distinct Host–Mycobacterial Pathogen Interactions between Resistant Adult and Tolerant Tadpole Life Stages of Xenopus laevis

“…Mm is difficult to eradicate in aquaculture, especially when introduced to a recirculating water system. This pathogen, which causes fish mycobacteriosis outbreaks, can severely impacts aquaculture as reviewed in [3]. In human, Mm causes opportunistic infection in the skin, and poses public health risks [3].…”

“…This pathogen, which causes fish mycobacteriosis outbreaks, can severely impacts aquaculture as reviewed in [3]. In human, Mm causes opportunistic infection in the skin, and poses public health risks [3]. As such, a better understanding of host immune responses to Mm remains crucial to improve diagnostics, treatment options, and vaccine strategies.…”