Marine-acquired infections. Hazards of the ocean environment.

Abstract

Numerous pathogenic bacteria are found in seawater. They can cause several environmental infections, such as conjunctivitis, otitis externa, wound infections, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal illness. The incidence of some of these infections could be lowered if people took care to avoid eating undercooked seafood, swimming in brackish water, or sustaining lacerations in a marine environment. However, such infections will probably increase in frequency as more people visit ocean resorts. Prompt elimination of the infective agent, adequate wound care, and avoidance of reexposure can minimize the severity of the condition.