A Novel, Nonaquatic Zoonotic Transmission of Mycobacterium marinum
Author Information
Author(s): Kravvas Georgios, Aboukhatwah Nada, Meghoma Lola, Vilenchik Victoria, Oxley Jon, Keith Daniel
Primary Institution: University College London Hospitals, London, UK
Hypothesis
Can Mycobacterium marinum be transmitted nonaquatically?
Conclusion
Mycobacterium marinum infection should be considered in patients with indicative clinical and histological features, especially in the immunocompromised, even without an obvious aquatic source.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had no history of exposure to aquatic organisms.
- Multiple bacterial and viral swabs were negative.
- Histological examination revealed abundant acid-fast bacilli.
- The patient had a history of immunocompromise due to medications.
Takeaway
A woman got a rare infection from a lizard, not from water like usual. Doctors need to think about this kind of infection even if there's no water involved.
Methodology
The case involved clinical examination, skin biopsies, and Ziehl-Neelsen staining to identify Mycobacterium marinum.
Limitations
The body of the deceased lizard was not available for microbiological studies.
Participant Demographics
63-year-old Caucasian woman with rheumatoid arthritis and bronchiectasis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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