The Ed.
Well-Known Member
To be honest, I would assume that most people are already reluctant to stick their feet into a pool of dead skin munching monsters. If that isn't enough to put you off, then perhaps the questionable animal-welfare implications will make you think twice? No? Well, how about the very serious risk of infection associated with these so-called Doctor Fish.
This story initially broke last year, but it's raised its ugly head again now as the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have published a UK report by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science. Up to now, only fourteen US States have banned the procedure, including California, Texas and Florida.
The report examined the types of bacteria associated with the inch-long toothless carp fish that nibble away at dead skin, known as Garra rufa. The fish are native to Southeast Asia and have been a popular import for salons in the UK and the USA since the treatment soared to popularity in 2008. All sorts of issues surrounding the treatment have emerged including the ethical implications of capturing, farming and transporting the fish and now the potential health risks.
Dangerous skin and soft tissue infections are possible in people that have open sores or cuts and clients with medical conditions such as diabetes can be at risk as well. Those with compromised immune systems from conditions such as AIDS, cancer and advanced age are also vulnerable.
While we have known about the fishy side of fish pedicures for a while, actual data has been pretty slim. David Verner-Jeffreys, lead researcher says, "Our study has identified some of the species of bacteria associated with this fish species including some that can cause infection in both fish and humans." The risk of infection makes sense. After all, water is a perfect breeding ground for all sorts of bacterial nasties not to mention the natural bacteria that lives on fish scales and in fish waste.
In April 2011 the UK suffered from a bacteria outbreak in a batch of 6,000 imported Garra rufa throughout salons. Studies revealed colonies of Streptococcus agalactiae, a bacteria that can cause sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia.
"The [strep] strain that we isolated typically only causes disease in fish. We then went on to look at other consignments of apparently healthy imported Garra rufa and found some other species of bacteria that can cause disease in humans and fish." This bacteria included Aeromonas which can cause wound infections and gastrointestinal problems and Mycobacteria which has already lead to some skin infections in some pedicure clients in the UK. Even more worryingly the bacteria identified appeared resistant to multiple drugs.
"To date there are only a limited number of reports of patients who might have been infected by this exposure route. However, our study raises some concerns over the extent that these fish or their transport water, might harbour pathogens of clinical relevance."
It's possible that the novelty of this treatment initially overshadowed the potential health risks. Now though, when the cons so clearly outweigh the pros there's little reason to put anyone at risk. In my humble geeky opinion it's time to get the foot file out and do your pedicures old skool.
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
This story initially broke last year, but it's raised its ugly head again now as the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have published a UK report by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science. Up to now, only fourteen US States have banned the procedure, including California, Texas and Florida.
The report examined the types of bacteria associated with the inch-long toothless carp fish that nibble away at dead skin, known as Garra rufa. The fish are native to Southeast Asia and have been a popular import for salons in the UK and the USA since the treatment soared to popularity in 2008. All sorts of issues surrounding the treatment have emerged including the ethical implications of capturing, farming and transporting the fish and now the potential health risks.
Dangerous skin and soft tissue infections are possible in people that have open sores or cuts and clients with medical conditions such as diabetes can be at risk as well. Those with compromised immune systems from conditions such as AIDS, cancer and advanced age are also vulnerable.
While we have known about the fishy side of fish pedicures for a while, actual data has been pretty slim. David Verner-Jeffreys, lead researcher says, "Our study has identified some of the species of bacteria associated with this fish species including some that can cause infection in both fish and humans." The risk of infection makes sense. After all, water is a perfect breeding ground for all sorts of bacterial nasties not to mention the natural bacteria that lives on fish scales and in fish waste.
In April 2011 the UK suffered from a bacteria outbreak in a batch of 6,000 imported Garra rufa throughout salons. Studies revealed colonies of Streptococcus agalactiae, a bacteria that can cause sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia.
"The [strep] strain that we isolated typically only causes disease in fish. We then went on to look at other consignments of apparently healthy imported Garra rufa and found some other species of bacteria that can cause disease in humans and fish." This bacteria included Aeromonas which can cause wound infections and gastrointestinal problems and Mycobacteria which has already lead to some skin infections in some pedicure clients in the UK. Even more worryingly the bacteria identified appeared resistant to multiple drugs.
"To date there are only a limited number of reports of patients who might have been infected by this exposure route. However, our study raises some concerns over the extent that these fish or their transport water, might harbour pathogens of clinical relevance."
It's possible that the novelty of this treatment initially overshadowed the potential health risks. Now though, when the cons so clearly outweigh the pros there's little reason to put anyone at risk. In my humble geeky opinion it's time to get the foot file out and do your pedicures old skool.
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
