Diagnostic Considerations
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
Secondary skin infection with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae as a result of small abrasions and lacerations acquired while handling marine animals, particularly fish and shellfish, is known as fish handler's disease.
Fish handler's disease appears as a well-demarcated cellulitis that is characterized by erythema, edema, and warmth. Erythromycin, cephalexin, and penicillin VK are referenced as appropriate first-line treatment.
Mycoplasma marinum
Chronic suppurative and granulomatous lesions may result from wound contamination with seawater containing M marinum.
While dissemination is rare, local debridement, adequate drainage, and prolonged antibiotic therapy (eg, doxycycline, co-trimoxazole) are essential to proper wound therapy.
Vibrio (V vulnificus, V parahaemolyticus) and Aeromonas (A parahaemolyticus, A damsela, A alginolyticus)
The most serious marine infections, while rare, result from infection with Vibrio and Aeromonas species. Necrotizing fasciitis, cellulitis, myositis, gas gangrene, and sepsis may result in loss of limb and life.
Vibrio vulnificus sepsis has a 20-50% mortality rate, depending on the source referenced. Aeromonas species infection may be equally severe, clinically resembling clostridial gas gangrene.
Sepsis from these organisms typically requires intensive care support and antimicrobial therapy based on sensitivity results. Initial antibiotic therapy should consist of parenteral broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as an aminoglycoside and third-generation cephalosporin.
Differential Diagnoses
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Echinoderm envenomations. Close-up of brittle star arm. Although spiny, members belonging to this class (Ophiuroidea) generally are considered harmless. Of the phylum Echinodermata, only starfish (class Asteroidea), sea urchins (class Echinoidea), and sea cucumbers (class Holothuroidea) are capable of envenomation. Photo courtesy of Scott A. Gallagher, MD.
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Echinoderm envenomations. Unlike most starfish that are typically pentamerous, the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) may have as many as 23 arms and a body disc up to 60 cm in diameter. Photo courtesy of Dee Scarr.
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Echinoderm envenomations. Detail of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) spines, which may grow to 6 cm in length. Photo courtesy of Dee Scarr.
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Echinoderm envenomations. Detail of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci). Photo courtesy of Scott A. Gallagher, MD.
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Echinoderm envenomations. The common and toxic sea cucumber, Bohadschia argus, with extruded Cuvierian tubules. Contact with these sticky white tentaclelike organs or their free-floating fragments may result in intense skin or ocular irritation. Photo courtesy of Paul S. Auerbach, MD.
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Echinoderm envenomations. Long-spined sea urchins, such as this Diadema species, inflict an acutely painful penetrating injury that may be accompanied by systemic symptoms and chronic wound sequelae. Photo courtesy of Dee Scarr.
