Antibiotic susceptibility of Mycobacterium marinum.

A radiometric respirometric technique (Bactec) which is highly standardized for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was used for antibiotic susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of M. marinum. Ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, rifampicin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were effective at clinically relevant concentrations. Doxycycline, erythromycin and roxithromycin were ineffective. These in vitro results are discussed in relation to documented clinical experience.