Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXIV, Issue 2
Written by Laura URDES, Richmond LOH
Fish mycobacteriosis is caused by atypical Mycobacterium species, some of which can be transmitted to humans. Often, M. marinum, M. fortuitum and M. ulcerans have been described as with the potential to cause fish-borne zoonoses. M. fortuitum and M. marinum are most commonly reported in tropical fish. These are Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile rods. Humans may become infected by contact with the diseased or infected fish or with contaminated aquarium water, via lacerated or abraded skin. We were called by a client to see some ornamental fish about which the client complained of being off feed for several days, lethargic, in poor condition, showing dropsy, scale loss and abnormal swimming. We asked about the history of these fish, we inspected the fish and tested the water. Three fish (two rosy barbs and one rainbowfish) showing overt signs of the disease, were retained for further investigations. Following euthanasia of the fish, we carried out post-mortem and histopathological examinations. Following the investigation the fish were confirmed infected with atypical Mycobacterium spp.
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