Cutaneous infection due to Mycobacterium marinum: A series of four cases from Kerala, India

Trop Med Int Health. 2024 Oct;29(10):913-918. doi: 10.1111/tmi.14033. Epub 2024 Jul 22.

Abstract

Mycobacterium marinum is a non-tuberculous mycobacterium which can be found in naturally occurring, non-chlorinated water sources and is a known pathogen that affects fish. In humans, M. marinum typically results in cutaneous lesions, it can occasionally lead to more invasive disorders. We discuss four cases of M. marinum-related cutaneous infections examined in a tertiary care facility. We want to draw attention to the challenges of accurately diagnosing this infection, stress the significance of having a high level of clinical suspicion in order to identify it, and discuss the available treatment choices.

Keywords: Mycobacterium marinum; aquarium; fishes; non‐tuberculous mycobacteria; sporotrichoid.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / diagnosis
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / drug therapy
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / microbiology
  • Mycobacterium marinum* / isolation & purification
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial* / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial* / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents

Supplementary concepts

  • Infection with Mycobacterium marinum