Upper extremity infections following common carp fish (cyprinus carpio) handling.

Upper extremity infection caused by aquatic pathogens on fish is a well recognized clinical entity. We report five consecutive cases of upper extremity infections, ranging from a simple localized reaction to a life-threatening systemic illness, which developed after handling common carp fish (Cyprinus carpio). In four cases, infection occurred following a penetrating injury by either the bones or the fin spines of the fish. Vibrio vulnificus was isolated from wound aspirates in four cases. Early broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is mandatory. Deterioration in the clinical condition or a poor response to conservative treatment requires a meticulous surgical drainage and excision of both infected and necrotic tissues. Copyright 2002 The British Society for Surgery of the Hand.