Skin infection by Staphylococcus aureus in a fisherman: difficulty in continuing work on board

Abstract

Background and aim: The aim of this study was to understand why an infectious skin disease due to colonisation by Staphylococcus aureus methi-S led to disembarkation of a fisherman for treatment and follow-up.

Materials and methods: While discussing this case we have analysed different reasons why the studied fisherman could not be successfully treated on board.

Results: A 42-year-old fisherman was first presented with skin lesions while fishing for hake. When the fisherman had developed a fever and exfoliative skin lesions on both hands, the ship’s captain called the radio-medical centre for the maritime consultation in Toulouse and for the advice on treatment. After 3 days on penicillin, the fever decreased, but the dermatitis became incapacitating. On his return to shore, the fisherman was hospitalised. Bacteriological swabs of the skin lesion showed colonisation with Staphylococcus aureus methi-S with presence of Panton Valentine leukocidin. Seven-day treatment witha follow-up of antibioticotherapy was necessary to resolve the skin eruption and obtain definitive apyrexia. Treatment ashore was advised because of difficulty in continuing manual work on board whilst suffering from significant skin lesions and also due to fear of contagion.

Conclusions: Skin infection with Staphylococcus aureus methi-S with presence of Panton Valentine leukocidinis difficult to treat on board because of difficulty in carrying out manual work when hands are affected, and also due to slow improvement of dermatitis even when appropriate treatment is undergone. The maritime environment is also a risk factor for skin abrasion, which can lead to secondary colonisation of pathogenic bacteria.