[Mycobacterium marinum nodular lymphangitis].

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium marinum has been recognized for some forty years. It generally occurs after trauma in a patient who manipulates tropical fish living in an aquarium.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of an exotic fish seller who developed M. marinum nodular lymphangitis after being bitten by one of the fish.

DISCUSSION: Nodular lesions occurring after trauma in subjects living in France who are in contact with exotic fish suggest the diagnosis of M. marinum. Nodular lymphangitis is seen in about 50% of the cases. Prolonged antibiotic therapy is required. Several antibiotics are effective including minocycline used in our case for 2 months after complete healing of the wound. Surgery is exceptionally required.