Swimming pool granuloma

Swimming pool granuloma
Definition
A swimming pool granuloma is a long-term (chronic) skin infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium marinum.

Swimming pool granuloma
Alternate Names : Aquarium granuloma, Fish tank granuloma
Definition ...

Swimming pool granuloma Symptoms
Review Date: 03/17/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M.

Swimming pool granuloma is typically acquired by occupational or recreational exposure to salt or fresh water, often resulting from minor trauma during caring for aquariums.

Mycobacterium marinum
Swimming pool granuloma
Fish tank granuloma
Mycobacterium marinum, present in fresh and brackish water, is a cause of cutaneous granulomas. The port of entry is usually minor trauma to the skin.

One form of the infection, known as "swimming pool granuloma," can occur when there is inadequate chlorination of swimming pools. However, in the US, most human infections with this bacteria have been associated with contact with fish tanks .

Fish-handler's disease
Fish handler's nodules
Fish tank granuloma
Swimming pool granuloma
Fish tuberculosis
Picine tuberculosis
"Erysipeloid" infection or lesions
Mycobacteriosis ...

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare frequently affects AIDS patients and causes lung disease.
Mycobacterium marinum cause skin infections and is also responsible for swimming pool granuloma.
Mycobacterium ulcerans cause skin infections.

Mycobacterium Marinum Fact Sheet. Epidemiology & Disease Control Program, 2002.
The Center for Food Security & Public Health. Mycobacterium Marinum, Fish Tank Granuloma, Swimming Pool Granuloma. Iowa State University, 2006.

is suggested by the history of exposure and confirmed by culturing tissue specimens which yield the microscopic organism, Mycobacterium marinum. The infection can be treated with a variety of antibiotics. Also called swimming pool granuloma.

See also: Granuloma, Symptom, Infections, Arthritis, Prevention