| Journal Call no. | R97.H66 |
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| Author | Chan, T. Y. K. |
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| Article Title | Invasive infections due to fish-borne bacteria / T.Y.K. Chan. |
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| Is Part Of | Hong Kong practitioner ; v.22, no.6, Jun 2000, p.286-287, +3p., illus. |
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| Abstract | Penetrating injuries to the hand may occur while preparing a live fish for consumption or during fishing, thus providing a portal of entry to fish-borne bacteria. Recent reports indicated both Streptococcus iniae and vibrio vulnificus can cause invasive infections. S. iniae infection was previously unrecognised. It is characterised by bacteraemia and cellulitis, without skin necrosis or bullae formation (in contrast to the necrotising fasciitis caused by V. vulnificus). The response to parenteral antibiotics is good. V. vulnificus infection is usually contracted through the consumption of contaminated shellfish or exposure of a wound to contaminated seawater or shellfish. Patients with chronic liver diseases, iron overload or immuno-suppression are at higher risk of fulminant septicaemia with a mortality of over 50 percent. V. vulnificus septicaemia and necrotising fasciitis can also complicate hand injuries during the handling of a contaminated fish, such as tilapia. Early recognition and treatment improve the outcome. When precautionary measures are taken during handling of fresh fish, invasive infections caused by S. iniae and V. vulnificus can be prevented. |
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