Reefkeeper catches mycobacterium marinum infection

[Muffin87]

I'd never heard about "aquarium granuloma" or mycobacterium marinum infection in humans, probably because it's quite uncommon.
Still I thought this video would be interesting for people to watch, so that we can raise awareness.
We should at least recognise the general symptoms on a superficial level, since doctors have trouble diagnosing this.

 

[Alexraptor]

Reef tanks in particular are veritable petri dishes of nastyness. Ever since I started in the hobby, almost two decades ago, I've always been extremely fastidious with personal hygience when working in the tanks.

I always scrub up before doing planned maintenence, and basically treat the tank and surrounding area like an operating theater. And when I'm done I'm always very thourough in washing off, without fail. If I nick myself while doing tank work, I always break off immediately to wash and disinfect.

And so far it's kept me completely in the clear, even from minor infections.

 

[Reefahholic]

I saw this tonight. Scary, but pretty rare. Good to spread awareness in our hobby.

 

[Sirlagzalott]

I had a nasty infection years ago that they believed was mycobacterium. Helped a buddy break down a tank and cut my thumb picking up live rock. The cut on my thumb was tiny. That night the pain was so bad it woke me up. Later the next day I had a red line up my arm as it got into my lymph system. Went to the ER and spent 2 days on IV antibiotics. Definitely be careful and if doing a lot of wet rock work, consider gloves.

 

[ca1ore]

I had a nasty infection years ago that they believed was mycobacterium.

Likewise. Fortunately, my doctor at the time (and still) is a fellow reefer and suspected what it was immediately. I would like to say the experience taught me better hygiene - sadly I am not a learning organism apparently. I have managed to avoid paly toxin though.