Mycobacterium spp. infections in freshwater, saltwater and brackish environments affect fin–fish by causing chronic, progressive and slow disease. Mycobacterium affects a very wide range of species. Sea Bass, Sea Bream and Hybrid Stripped Bass are frequently involved. Clinical signs in fish include weight loss, external hemorrhage, superficial ulcers, a distended abdomen, loss of appetite, fin erosion, unusual coloration, pop-eye and spinal deformities. However, Infected fish may die without any external symptoms.
Mycobacterium can infect human skin through cuts or scrapes. Hence, it is a zoonotic disease which can be passed from animal species to humans. The most frequent symptom is a slowly developing nodule (raised bump) at the site the bacteria entered the body. Swelling and edema are common findings when infection is present on the hands. Frequently, the nodule is noticed on the hand or upper arm. Later the nodule can become an enlarging sore (ulcer). Swelling of nearby lymph nodes occurs. This infection can also involve the joints and bones.
During the last few years, numerous cases of cutaneous Mycobacterium infections were reported to the Ministry of Health in Israel. This increase may be due to increased public awareness, improved diagnostic capabilities and the dissemination of the disease causing agent to new species such as ornamental fish . In Israel, there is a significant delay between the initial clinical presentation and the final diagnosis of Mycobacterium Infection. This delay is expected to be much longer among Mediterranean farm and processing plant workers who do not have regular access to specialty dermatological diagnostic services.
The primary risk factor that linked the majority of the patients with positive skin infections was ornamental fish culture, either as hobbyists or as professional ornamental fish farmers. Other patients with positive skin infections were linked to edible fish, mostly due to occupations associated with grading and packaging of infected fish. All recorded cases in Israel were immune-competent and required long term systemic antibiotic therapy. Most cases required more than one antibiotic medication. Several cases required surgical intervention.
There are probably numerous unreported cases of cutaneous Mycobacterium Infections among workers of the aquaculture industry.
Phibro Aqua’s professional staff in Israel, Greece and in Turkey is reporting a constant increase in the incident rate of Mycobacterium spp. infections in both edible and ornamental fish culture facilities.
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