Effects of two water disinfectants (chloramine T and peracetic acid) on the epidermis and gills of Garra rufa used in human ichthyotherapy

Abstract

Doctor fish (Garra rufa) have recently been used for aesthetic purposes and as a medical treatment in patients with psoriasis (ichthyotherapy). For this particular kind of human therapy it is essential to guarantee adequate hygienic conditions for both people and fish. The aim of this study was to test two concentrations of water disinfectants, chloramine T and peracetic acid, on Garra rufa to ascertain possible exposure damage to the epidermis and gills. Fish were exposed to 2 mg/l and 10 mg/l of chloramine T and to 15 μl/l and 45 μl/l of peracetic acid in a 40-minute static bath up to six times a day for one week. The epidermis and gills were checked for histological changes and the number of epidermal mucous cells, club cells and taste buds were quantified; mucous cells were also characterized histochemically to detect alterations in mucin production. No mortality or severe histological changes were found in treated or control fish. Cell count showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in mucous cells (mean 49.1 ± 6.7 vs 37.0 ± 13.1 of controls) in animals treated with peracetic acid independently of the dose. Club cell number showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in fish treated with 2 mg/l of chloramine T (mean 74.3 ± 15.6) and with 45 μl/l of peracetic acid (mean 78.17 ± 10.5) compared to controls (mean 107.0 ± 19.2). Histochemical evaluation of mucous cells did not reveal changes in mucin type in fish exposed to the two disinfectants. The results suggest a good tolerability of Garra rufa to the two disinfectants at the concentrations tested.

Periungual <b><i>Mycobacterium marinum</i></b> Infection following a Fish Manicure

“…Given the lack of evidence, fish manicure has no proven cosmetic benefit and may cause significant infections. Since fish manicures or pedicures involve the use of living fish, conventional methods of sterilization and/or disinfec- tion of the water and equipment, except chloramine T and peracetic acid, cannot be used, as they would kill the fish [9]. Both tank water and fish have been shown to contain a wide variety of microorganisms and can act as reservoirs for drug-resistant bacterial strains [10].…”

Evidence of fish and human pathogens associated with doctor fish (Garra rufa, Heckel, 1843) used for cosmetic treatment

“…In order to meet the welfare needs of fish and to limit the risks to public health, several procedures are suggested (Bhattacharya, ; Höller, Hörmansdorfer, Schramek, & Moritz, ; Sirri et al, ; Wildgoose, ). Some countries have defined standards for the management of public health risks from the cosmetic use of fish pedicures (HPA, ), whilst other countries have opted to ban this practice (Sugimoto et al, ).…”

Effectiveness of Garra Rufa Care Toward Pruritus Elderly Who Live in Indonesian Village

“…Garra Rufa is a fish species that is beneficial for skin health by releasing the enzyme ditrhanol (anthralin) which can decrease the inflammatory process and increase skin moisture 13,14 . Garra Rufa can also be used for aesthetic purposes and as a medical treatment of patient with psoriasis 15 . The function of the dithranol enzyme released by Garra Rufa fish produces a therapeutic effect to improve blood circulation, the skin becomes smoother, reduces and blurring of the scars and increases skin regeneration 16 .…”