Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Following Marine Injuries

Abstract Infections due to aquatic injuries mostly affect fishermen and vacationers who are exposed to freshwater and saltwater. These syndromes are usually due to Gram-negative marine bacteria including Shewanella species, Chromobacterium violaceum , Aeromonas hydrophila , Edwardsiella tarda , Vibrio vulnificus and nontuberculous mycobacteria, although Gram-positive organisms such as Erisipelothrix rhusiopathiae and Streptococcus iniae may be involved, too. Superficial marine infections as well as preexisting wounds exposed to seawater may result in deeply invasive disorders and sepsis in immunocompromised patients. Except for minor marine wounds with localized cellulitis, most other sea-related infections, especially those due to Gram-negative organisms and mycobacteria, will require combined antibiotic therapy and, frequently, surgery.