Symptoms in humans and treatment
Several species of these bacteria are capable of infecting humans. The bacteria enters through abrasions which can happen in swimming pools, working with tropical fish aquaria or from handling the guts of infected fish. Skin granulomas of the elbow, knees, fingers and feet may result.
A doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. The condition may persist for some time and must be treated with antibiotics for an extended period.
Three to four weeks after the bacteria enters the skin, a swelling develops over a bony lump or the site of an abrasion. A cyst, or abscess, develops that may be filled with pus and may ulcerate and scar. Lymph nodes may also swell.