CASE REPORTS   

Esperienze Dermatologiche 2011 June;13(2):61-4

Copyright © 2011 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

A case of Mycobacterium marinum dermatitis

Pini M., Balice Y., Tavecchio S., Crippa D.

Unità Operativa Struttura Complessa di Dermatologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Monza, Università degli studi Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italia

The Mycobacterium marinum is the most frequent cause of cutaneous mycobacteriosis: it is responsible for swimming pool granuloma and aquarium disease. The pathogen penetrates the skin barrier following an often minimal trauma. The incubation period is three weeks and the infection does not confer immunity. The initially papulous, non-painful lesions transform into inflamed nodules or desquamating plaques that may ulcerate. Clinical history, histology and culture examination permit diagnosis. Cure, which may be spontaneous, is speeded up by various antibiotic protocols. A case of M. marinum infection in an aquarium maintenance operative is reported.