Skin problems related to noninfectious coastal microorganisms

Abstract

While there are a number of coastal microorganisms that can cause infections of the skin, there are many that can cause skin problems that are noninfectious in nature. From cyanobacterial dermatitis to skin problems related to dinoflagellates, to skin signs of ciguatera or scombroid fish poisonings, to “sea lice”/“seabather's eruption,” to “swimmer's itch,” this article attempts to separate these entities into distinct syndromes caused by a variety of bacteria, phytoplankton and zooplankton. Treatment and prevention of these diseases are also discussed.

Insights from an Integrated View of the Biology of Apple Snails (Caenogastropoda: Ampullariidae)

“…Species of the genus Schistosoma are by far the most important trematodes from a medical viewpoint as they cause schistosomiasis that affects millions of people in tropical regions (Muller, 2002). Various species of other genera of Schistosomatidae may cause cercarial dermatitis or swimmer's itch in humans, in which the cercariae penetrate the skin but do not develop further (Muller, 2002;Burke & Tester, 2002). Among ampullariids, only P. paludosa has been definitively demonstrated as a vector, and only of cercarial dermatitis, in Florida (Hanning & Leedom, 1978).…”

Skin-related symptoms following exposure to recreational water: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Twenty-seven studies were excluded because three studies included no information or inadequate information on microbiological water quality (Amson 1991;New Jersey DoH 1988;Baylet and Sinegre 1984), 16 were excluded because skin outcome data was not reported or was not adequately reported (Balarajan et al 1991;Bandaranayake et al 1995;Bonilla et al 2007;Cheung et al 1991;Dufour 1984;Fattal et al 1987;Fleisher et al 1996;Harrington et al 1993;Kocasoy 1989;McBride et al 1998;Philipp et al 1985;Seyfried et al 1985b;Wiedenmann et al 2006;Foulon et al 1983;Kueh et al 1995;Marino et al 1995), one was excluded because the indicator used was not reported in any other study (Pilotto et al 1997, cyanobacteria), three were excluded because they did not generate any relevant primary data (Burke 2002;Pruss 1998;Robinton 1966), two were excluded because the same results were published elsewhere (Haile 1996;Zmirou et al 1990), and one was excluded because data on a control group was not reported (Stevenson 1953).…”

“…However, since our review observed a higher rate of skin ailments at marine sites with higher levels of fecal contamination, a cause independent of physical irritation is implied. Skin ailments among swimmers may be caused by a wide variety of pathogenic microorganisms, some of which would be naturally occurring and not necessarily expected to be associated with fecal indicator bacteria (cyanobacteria, cercarial dermatitis, sea-bather's eruption caused by zooplankton) (Burke 2002). However, other pathogens such as Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, and adenovirus that could cause skin irritations could co-occur with fecal indicators associated with run-off, sewage discharge or through the shedding of other swimmers (CDC 2008).…”

Human Exposure to Cyanotoxins and their Effects on Health

“…Persons swimming in the affected waters collect cyanobacterial fi laments under their bathing suits. The cells that accumulate under the fabric may come in contact with the skin and lead to skin irritation (30). "Swimmer's itch" is a severe contact dermatitis which occurs after swimming in marine waters that contain specifi c cyanobacterial blooms (e.g., Lyngbia majuscula).…”