It can, although most variants found in aquarium fish are removed from the commonly known strains (in relation to humans), one of which is
mycobacterium ulcerans.
The one often found in aquariums is
mycobacterium marinum which generally only results in skin irritation and nothing worse.
Some wild-caught, african cichlids have been linked with
mycobacterium ulcerans.
To which extent i'd pay particular care when dealing with them.
Doesn't affect you though as your getting a Gourami, so erm....
Mycobacterium from
Emedicine;
Background: Mycobacterium marinum is an atypical Mycobacterium found in salt and fresh water. M marinum is the most common atypical Mycobacterium to cause infection in humans. Infection occurs following primary inoculation of a skin abrasion or puncture and manifests as a localized granuloma or sporotrichotic lymphangitis. Diagnosis and treatment are often delayed because of a lack of suspicion for mycobacterial involvement, ie, versus more common bacterial pathogens.
Pathophysiology: M marinum infection occurs following trauma to an extremity that is in contact with an aquarium, salt water, or marine animals such as fish or turtles. Exposure to M marinum via swimming pools is rare because most pools are chlorinated.
The pathogen is classified in Runyon group 1 and is a photochromogen, which means it produces yellow pigment when cultured and exposed to light. Culture growth occurs over 7-21 days and is optimal at 25-32°C (77-89.6°F) because the organism is adapted to infect ectotherms, such as fish. Endotherms, such as humans, also can be infected; however, the cooler extremities are affected more often than central sites. Systemic infection, usually in the context of an immunocompromised host, has been reported. This indicates that the organism is capable of adapting to grow in conditions closer to 37°C.
After inoculation into the host tissues via an abrasion or other wound, the mycobacteria are phagocytosed by macrophages. Inside the macrophage, they are able to interrupt the formation of the phagolysosome, which would kill the organisms. The mycobacteria then escape the lysosome and can move intracellularly and extracellularly via actin-based motility. This may contribute to cell-to-cell spread.
Studies have revealed 2 pathophysiologically and genetically (ie, via amplified restriction-based polymorphism analysis) distinct populations of M marinum. One group can infect humans and causes acutely lethal disease in fish, while a second group cannot infect humans and causes chronic progressive disease in fish.
Frequency:
In the US: Infections caused by M marinum are rare but well described in the literature. The estimated annual incidence is 0.27 cases per 100,000 adult patients. Of the approximately 150 cases described, most are case reports of cutaneous infection; however, some describe osteomyelitis, tenosynovitis, arthritis, and disseminated infection. Nosocomial infection has never been described.
Internationally: Infection occurs worldwide, most commonly in individuals with occupational and recreational exposure to fresh or salt water.
Mortality/Morbidity: The disease typically remains localized and does not cause significant morbidity in patients who are immunocompetent. Cases reported in patients who are severely immunocompromised have resulted in disseminated infection involving the bone marrow and viscera and may result in death.
Race: No racial predilection is apparent.
Sex: No sexual predilection has been noted.
Age: M marinum infection has been reported in persons of every age group; however, it appears to be rare in the pediatric population.
