Mycobacterium marinum infections in humans and tracing of its possible environmental sources

Can J Microbiol. 2012 Jan;58(1):39-44. doi: 10.1139/w11-104. Epub 2011 Dec 19.

Abstract

The low frequency of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, nonspecific symptoms for individual mycobacteria, and the lack of specific identification methods could alter correct diagnosis. This study presents a combined microbiology and molecular-based approach for Mycobacterium marinum detection in four aquarists with cutaneous mycobacterial infection. Simultaneously, ecology screening for M. marinum presence in the aquarists' fish tanks was performed. A total of 38 mycobacterial isolates originated from four human patients (n = 20), aquarium animals (n = 8), and an aquarium environment (n = 10). Isolate identification was carried out using 16S rRNA sequence analysis. A microbiology-based approach, followed by 16S rRNA sequence analysis, was successfully used for detection of M. marinum in all four patients. Animal and environmental samples were simultaneously examined, and a total of seven mycobacterial species were isolated: Mycobacterium chelonae , Mycobacterium fortuitum , Mycobacterium gordonae , Mycobacterium kansasii , Mycobacterium mantenii , Mycobacterium marinum , and Mycobacterium peregrinum . The presence of M. marinum was proven in the aquarium environments of two patients. Although M. marinum is described as being present in water, it was detected only in fish.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clarithromycin / pharmacology
  • Clarithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Female
  • Fishes / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium / classification
  • Mycobacterium / genetics
  • Mycobacterium / isolation & purification
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / diagnosis*
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / drug therapy
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / microbiology*
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / pathology
  • Mycobacterium marinum / classification
  • Mycobacterium marinum / drug effects
  • Mycobacterium marinum / genetics
  • Mycobacterium marinum / isolation & purification*
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • Clarithromycin

Supplementary concepts

  • Infection with Mycobacterium marinum