Cutaneous infections from coastal and marine bacteria

The coastal and marine environments contain a variety of potentially pathogenic bacteria that can cause cutaneous infection. While some of these infections are relatively minor, some may be life threatening, especially in patients with certain risk factors. The most common and serious of these aquatic-acquired infections are discussed, including 1) the marine vibrios, 2) Mycobacterium marinum, 3) erysipeloid and disseminated Erysipelothrix, and 4) Aeromonas hydrophila. Treatment of these is also discussed.