Scubcutaneous Mycobacterium marinum infection misdiagnosed as sporotrichosis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), are natural inhabitants of natural waters, engineered water systems, and soils. As a consequence of their ubiquitous distribution, humans are surrounded by these opportunistic pathogens.

PATIENT CONCERNS

In this report, we describe a case of scubcutaneous Mycobacterium marinum infection associated with home tropical ornamental fish aquaria. A 43-years-old man reported progressively increasing nodules over his left forearm and hand for more than 7 months.

DIAGNOSIS

Based on NTM culture, pathological examination, identification by gene sequencing and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry, the diagnosis of scubcutaneous NTM infection was confirmed.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with itraconazole for suspected sporotrichosis over 1 month.

OUTCOMES

The patient was treated with oral doxycycline hydrochloride capsules (200 mg/day) for 5 months, the nodules had resolved.

CONCLUSION

Home aquarium environments may serve as a possible source of mycobacteria infection in urban family.