(CMR) A child received a rare infectious bite from an iguana looking for a sweet treat leaving doctors baffled for weeks. The iguana attacked a 3-year-old toddler for cake during a family vacation in Costa Rica.
In a presentation titled “Never get between an iguana and his cake: a cautionary tale,” to be given at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Jordan Kit Mah, a medical microbiologist at Stanford University, recounts the strange case that unfolded.
The child's parents first noticed a coin-sized bump on the back of her hand, which grew larger and changed color over time. At first, doctors suspected it to be a ganglion cyst but later discovered dead tissue. The collection of white blood cells and the presence of bacteria was later identified as Mycobacterium marinum, a type of bacteria that infects fresh and saltwater fish.
The case was particularly unusual because it marked the first known instance of an iguana bite leading to a Mycobacterium marinum infection. According to Dr. Mah, the bacterium is prevalent in the environment and can infect people who come into contact with it through cuts or other injuries.
The infection has been previously linked to exposure to fish tanks or aquatic activities but never before to a reptile bite.
Although the toddler was given antibiotics to treat the wound, the bacteria was resistant to the drugs and required a different approach. The child was given rifampin and clarithromycin, which helped to clear up the infection over time.
Experts warn that the case serves as a cautionary tale for those who come into contact with reptiles, especially iguanas. Dr. Mah hopes that the incident will raise awareness of the potential dangers of interacting with cold-blooded animals and help doctors identify and treat similar cases more effectively.
Infections caused by Mycobacterium marinum are rare, but they can be serious if left untreated. Symptoms typically include a lump or bump on the skin that grows over time, changes color, and becomes painful or uncomfortable. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to the bacteria, seek medical attention right away.
The incident also highlights the importance of proper handwashing and hygiene when handling reptiles or other animals. Reptiles, in particular, can harbor dangerous pathogens like salmonella, which can cause serious illness in humans.
Dr. Mah notes, “If you are considering this organism, you need to be aware of the appropriate techniques to initially diagnose it.” By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, we can protect ourselves and those around us from potentially dangerous infections.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
