Mycobacterium marinum with different responses to second-generation tetracyclines

• Published in: International journal of dermatology Vol. 44; no. 6; pp. 518 - 520
• Main Authors: Cummins, Deborah L., Delacerda, Davi, Tausk, Francisco A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.06.2005; Blackwell Science; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Doxycycline - therapeutic use; Humans; Hyperplasia - pathology; Male; Medical sciences; Minocycline - therapeutic use; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous - diagnosis; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous - drug therapy; Mycobacterium marinum - isolation & purification; Skin - pathology; Mycobacterium marinum; Mycobacteriales; Dermatology; Tetracycline derivatives; Mycobacteriaceae; Bacteria; Actinomycetes
• ISSN: 0011-9059; 1365-4632
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.02204.x

Background  Persistent cutaneous infections with Mycobacterium marinum can follow exposure of injured skin to contaminated water or fish, and can be treated with second‐generation tetracyclines in addition to other antimicrobials. Due to the rarity of this infection, there are few data comparing the different treatment alternatives. Methods  We report a patient with culture‐proven M. marinum who was treated with two different second‐generation tetracyclines. Results  Our patient failed a 4‐week trial of doxycycline, but responded rapidly to minocycline. Conclusion  This case suggests that, despite a similar mechanism, pharmacokinetics, and even sensitivity, these two agents may differ in their effectiveness against strains of M. marinum.