Marine infection

approach in Primary Care

Abstract

Introduction: Coastal cities have economic activities such as fishing and tourism that promote contact with sea water and consequent exposure to microorganisms rarely found in other contexts. Too often, late diagnosis can result in significant morbidity or death. Objective: This review of the literature aims to show the importance of the differential diagnosis of marine infection in primary care, its etiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, complications and prevention. Methods: Electronic databases (SciELO, Google Scholar, MEDLINE and PubMed) were searched. Results: 135 articles were found and twenty were selected, referring to the years 2003 to 2018. A shortage of studies evaluating the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy regimens and their necessary duration was observed. In addition, the absence of the International Code of Diseases (ICD-10) and Descriptors in Health Sciences (DeCS) was observed, which is detrimental to the epidemiological notification and study on the subject. Conclusion: It is necessary to include marine infection in the differential diagnosis of cases of chronic injuries difficult to diagnose, especially if there is a history of exposure to the marine environment. Further studies are needed to evaluate the appropriate therapy. It is also essential to educate the population about the risk of marine infection and methods of prevention.