Retrospective study of Mycobacterium marinum skin infections

Abstract

The diagnosis of cutaneous M. marinum infection is mainly clinical, with supporting evidence from histologic features and the response to therapy. Risk factors include a history of trauma and water/fish-related hobbies or occupations. There is a poor yield of positive isolates in our experience; however, empirical treatment usually produces a good clinical response. In future, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique may become more widely available as a rapid, sensitive, and specific means of diagnosis.