Swimming pool granuloma

Last Updated: 2019-08-26

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: -

Fischtankgranulom, Aquariumgranulom, swimming pool granuloma, fish tank granuloma, fish fancier's finger, surfers' nodules, fish-handlers' nodules.

Atpygian mycobacteriosis. Infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium marinum. The contact to mostly tropical ornamental fish is groundbreaking for the diagnosis. 

  • Inoculation of the pathogens by small skin lesions when cleaning an aquarium, or when swimming, diving, etc. 

  • Pathogen: Mycobacterium marinum (syn. Mycobacterium balnei).

  • Erythematous-blueish, ulcerating nodule or granulomas. Spreading from the skin into deeper tissue including joints and bones is possible.

  • Clinic.

  • Biopsy with dermatopathological and microbiological processing.

  • Acra, back of the hand, elbow, back of the foot and knees.

Tubercle with central necrosis. 

  • Spontaneous healing after 12-24 months.
  • Prophylaxis 
  • Wear gloves when cleaning the aquarium.

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