Mycobacterium Marinum Treatment & Management

Updated: May 23, 2017
  • Author: Shirin A Mazumder, MD; Chief Editor: Mark R Wallace, MD, FACP, FIDSA  more...
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Treatment

Medical Care

The mainstay of treatment in M marinum infection is antimicrobial therapy. The duration of therapy is not well defined, but treatment of skin and soft-tissue infections should be continued for 1-2 months after resolution of symptoms and lesions. Therefore, the treatment duration is typically 3-4 months, longer if deeper structures are involved. Some authors have suggested a minimum duration of 6 months. In some cases, a treatment duration of up to 2 years has been reported. Combination treatment with 2 active agents is preferred, although success has been obtained with single-agent approach. Spontaneous resolution of M marinum infection has been reported.

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Surgical Care

Surgical drainage of skin lesions may be unnecessary. A French study revealed no clear benefit or change in outcome using a concomitant surgical approach. Deeper-structure infections may require surgery, although its definite role is not well established. Reports have suggested that antibiotic therapy alone is enough to cure most patients and that additional surgical debridement provides cure in remaining cases.

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Consultations

An infectious disease specialist can establish the diagnosis and suggest management. A dermatologist can also provide expertise.

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