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.