Where is Mycobacterium Marinum found?

Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum) is a slow-growing atypical mycobacterium that is commonly found in bodies of fresh or saltwater in many parts of the world. Skin infections with Mycobacterium marinum in humans are relatively uncommon and are usually acquired from contact with contents of aquariums or fish.

What is Mycobacterium Marinum infection?

Mycobacterium marinum is a non-tuberculous mycobacterium that causes a tuberculosis-like illness in fish and can infect humans when injured skin is exposed to a contaminated aqueous environment.

How is Mycobacterium Marinum diagnosed?

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification techniques using Mycobacterium genus-specific primers can be used to diagnose M marinum infection directly in the biopsy sample. Tuberculin skin test using purified protein derivative is positive in 67%-100% of cases.

How long does Mycobacterium Marinum take to grow?

M marinum is a pathogen classified in Runyon group 1 and is a photochromogen, meaning it produces pigment when cultured and exposed to light. Culture growth occurs over 7-14 days and is optimal at 32°C.

How can you prevent Mycobacterium marinum?

Prevention

1. Minimize or eliminate exposure to fresh or salt water when open cuts, scrapes or abrasions exist on the skin.
2. Be sure to cover any open cuts, scrapes or abrasions, and wear heavy or waterproof gloves when cleaning fish, fish tanks or equipment.

Which disease is known as Hansen’s disease?

Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa).

Is Mycobacterium marinum contagious?

People can also be exposed by handling or cleaning fish tanks or fish, and swimming or working in fresh or salt water. There is no evidence that a M. marinum infection can be spread from person to person.

Can humans get flukes from fish?

Clonorchis is a liver fluke parasite that humans can get by eating raw or undercooked fish, crabs, or crayfish from areas where the parasite is found. Found across parts of Asia, Clonorchis is also known as the Chinese or oriental liver fluke. Liver flukes infect the liver, gallbladder, and bile duct in humans.

What happens if you drink fish tank water?

What Happens if You Drink Fish Tank Water? In most scenarios, nothing. Fish tank water contains a variety of germs, bacteria, and parasites, but nothing your immune system can’t handle.

What is the cure for Hansen’s disease?

Hansen’s disease is treated with a combination of antibiotics. Typically, 2 or 3 antibiotics are used at the same time. These are dapsone with rifampicin, and clofazimine is added for some types of the disease. This is called multidrug therapy.