Mycobacteria in aquarium fish: Are fish handlers aware of their zoonotic potential?

Abstract

Mycobacteria potentially pathogenic for humans are commonly present in aquarium fish sold in Slovenian pet shops. Mycobacterium marinum is the most important causative agent of skin mycobacteriosis in humans. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate, by means of a questionnaire, aquarium hobbyists’ and pet shop salespersons’ awareness of the health risks related to aquarium fish handling. A total of 198 participants took part in the study, 76.3% of these were aquarium hobbyists, and 23.7% were pet shop salespersons with up to 15 years of fish handling experience. About one third (35.8%) of all participants recognized that fish may be a source of infection for humans and that fish may contract tuberculosis. Fewer (24.4%) were aware of the fact that fish tuberculosis is a zoonotic disease. The vast majority of respondents were unfamiliar with the clinical manifestations of either fish tuberculosis or cutaneous mycobacteriosis in humans. Despite the generally acknowledged belief that aquarium water may pose a risk to human health, the respondents’ aquarium handling practices were surprising as the majority never used waterproof gloves. Several differences were revealed between the two groups of respondents. Pet shop salespersons were better educated on fish handling, and more were aware of the health risks linked to aquarium fish than aquarium hobbyists. The latter often perceived pet shop salespersons as relevant sources of information. However, overall awareness of the zoonotic potential of fish mycobacteria proved to be fairly low. Therefore, more effort should be made to increase the awareness of the role of mycobacteria in infections associated with exposure to aquarium fish.