Mycobacterium Marinum (cont.)
What is the prognosis for those infected with Mycobacterium marinum?
The prognosis is excellent for a complete cure with a proper, full course of oral antibiotics and good medical follow-up with your physician. There are no long-term problems after treatment.
How do I find a specialist?
Specialists including dermatologists, infectious-disease physicians, and
rheumatologists may have additional expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of
this rare disorder.
What are possible complications from Mycobacterium marinum?
M. marinum infections are usually localized and typically do not spread past
the skin in healthy people. Most patients with a normal immune system don't
experience other complications. However, undetected or untreated, the infection
may progress and cause deeper and more longstanding infections. Patients with an
impaired immune system (immunocompromised) may be much more prone to serious
complications such as spread of infections to involve the bone marrow and
internal organs.
Some rare potential problems include infection of the
underlying bone called osteomyelitis, infection of the deep muscle tendons
called tenosynovitis, inflammation of the joints called arthritis, and
widespread bodily infections called disseminated disease.
Do fish get infected with Mycobacterium marinum?
Yes. There are probably two different types of M. marinum. One type only causes a
longstanding (chronic) progressive disease in fish without affecting humans. The
second type, which can infect humans, seems to cause a deadly sudden illness in
fish.
What else could it be?
Other conditions may mimic or be confused with M. marinum infections.
Possible other diagnosis include common things like bug bites, spider bites,
foreign body granuloma, bacterial infections like staph or E. coli, fungal
infections, tumors, fungal infections, and others. Additional diagnosis include
cowpox infection, leishmaniasis, leprosy, sarcoidosis, and sporotrichosis. More
advanced cases may be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis, gout, traumatic tendon
injury, deep fungal infections, or cancer.
Next: How can I prevent this infection? »
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