Mycobacterium marinum Infection

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection Occurring after Exposure toMycobacterium marinum

“…In most reported cases, the upper limbs and fingers account for a majority of infection sites [3, 4]. Clinical manifestations of superficial M. marinum infection typically include painless clusters of superficial nodules or papules.…”

“…Clinical manifestations of superficial M. marinum infection typically include painless clusters of superficial nodules or papules. In about one-third of cases, lesions spread proximally along the lymphatic system in a sporotrichoid fashion, without associated lymphadenopathy [4, 5]. Most infections follow an indolent course, although disseminated cases have been reported in immunocompromised patients [6–8].…”

“…Other case reports have also described a prolonged incubation period [3, 4]. Failure to obtain an adequate history of aquatic exposure often occurs, since the preceding trauma is generally minor and unrecalled by the patient [4, 5]. Histology and bacteriology are confirmatory tests of infection; however, they are often difficult to use [5].…”

“…These cutaneous infections are generally attributed to aquarium or fish exposure after a break in the skin barrier [2]. In most reported cases, the upper limbs and fingers account for most of these infection sites [3, 4]. Treatment should be tailored to prevent progression to deeper infections and hasten recovery [4].…”

“…Optimal treatment usually involves appropriate drug therapy supplemented by surgical intervention for medical failure [4]. No prior case reports describe the aggressive nature of M. marinum resulting in a persistent necrotizing soft tissue infection of an affected extremity, ultimately requiring multiple aggressive wound debridements, followed by an amputation of the affected extremity, in order to hasten recovery.…”