CLINICAL CASES   

Giornale Italiano di Dermatologia e Venereologia 2002 February;137(1):49-51

Copyright © 2002 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

The prevention of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections

Delfino M., Detoraki A., Delfino G., Nino M.

Università degli Studi di Napoli «Federico II» - Napoli Clinica Dermatologica

The non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections are determined by mycobacteria with immunologic and culture criteria different from tuberculosis and leprosy mycobacteria. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are usually acquired by environmental sources (water, soil) and are present in different forms, more usual as saprophytes or commensales than as pathogens. For adequate prevention it is important to identify high risk patients: people who work in sanitary, alimentary, cleaning and agricultural fields; aquarium’s owners (especially with tropical fishes), swimming pool or non-salt water customers, patients who underwent an operation or with immunodeficiency, or with AIDS. A recent case of Mycobacterium marinum infection in a patient with aquarium with tropical fishes is presented and the correlations between immunosuppression, elective therapy and prevention of these infections are discussed. A vaccine against these bacteria is not yet available and there is an increase of these infections especially the young people; therefore, an important sanitary education is desiderable and the use of protection means (such as gloves, rubber boots, slippers, etc.) in the working and enjoyment environments at higher risk is suggested.