BMJ 1994;309:1695 (24 December)

Prawn bites fisherman

An 18 year old fisherman presented after five days at sea with a bite to the little finger on his dominant hand caused by a prawn (Palaemon serratus). He settled rapidly after debridement and treatment with antibiotics.


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 Fish and marine animal bites or stings are a rare but recognised cause of serious hand infections; staphylococci and streptococci are the pathogens most commonly isolated. Other unusual organisms may cause slow resolution of the infection. Like all hand infections such bites need active, aggressive management.

Alberto Gregori, Gordon Mackay, senior house officer 3, department of orthopaedics, Inverclyde Royal Hospital, Greenock PA16 0XN a

a Albert Gregori, registrar,


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This article has been cited by other articles:

  • Garner, P., Gibson, M. E, Wilson, C. (1994). The animal kingdom bites back. BMJ 309: 1676-1676 [Full text]  
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