Approach to Aquatic Skin Infections

Prim Care. 2018 Sep;45(3):555-566. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2018.05.010. Epub 2018 Jul 9.

Abstract

Aquatic-based infections can present a treatment challenge for primary care physicians because of the likely polymicrobial nature of the infection and the possibility of uncommon pathogenic organisms. Although Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species that colonize the skin are the most common etiologic agents associated with saltwater and freshwater skin and soft tissue infections, other significant pathogens can include Vibrio, Aeromonas, Edwardsiella, Erysipelothrix, and Mycobacterium. Early detection and appropriate management of aquatic infections can significantly decrease morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the pathophysiology, presentation, and management for the most common water-borne pathogens causing skin and soft tissue infections.

Keywords: Aeromonas; Aquatic infection; Edwardsiella; Erysipelothrix; Mycobacterium; Skin infection; Vibrio.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aeromonas hydrophila
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Edwardsiella tarda
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / diagnosis
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / etiology
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / therapy
  • Erysipelothrix
  • Erysipelothrix Infections / diagnosis
  • Erysipelothrix Infections / etiology
  • Erysipelothrix Infections / therapy
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / etiology
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / therapy
  • Humans
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / diagnosis
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / etiology
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / therapy
  • Mycobacterium marinum
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious / diagnosis*
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious / etiology
  • Skin Diseases, Infectious / therapy
  • Soft Tissue Infections / diagnosis
  • Soft Tissue Infections / etiology
  • Soft Tissue Infections / therapy
  • Vibrio
  • Vibrio Infections / diagnosis
  • Vibrio Infections / etiology
  • Vibrio Infections / therapy
  • Water Microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents