Journal of Mashhad Medical Council

Journal of Mashhad Medical Council

An Investigation of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Setting up the Aquarium in Medical Settings

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Mahsa Sayadi 1
Mahdieh Sayadi 1
Maryam Abedini 1
Fatemeh Askarizadeh 1
Kiarash Ghazvini 2
1 Undergraduate Medical Microbiology Student, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Microbiology and Virology Research Center, Assistant Professor of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran
10.22038/jmmc.2016.7053
Abstract
Nowadays popularity of setting up aquariums in medical settings including hospitals is increasing. However, many aspects of its effects on the patients, especially the elderly and patients with immunodeficiency disorders, are under consideration. In the present study, the impact of aquarium in medical settings and hospitals on patients’ health has been reviewed in recent publications. For this purpose, all major medical literature databases were searched with appropriate keywords and related articles were included in the final analysis. In most articles, the aquarium was the source of zoonotic pathogens, including Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella, Mycobacteria marinum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Therefore, there is strong need to reconsider the use of aquariums in medical settings. Moreover, due to the potential presence of pathogens in the aquarium, which may cause health problems for patients, these ornamental implements should be installed with proper precautions and good hygiene management.
Keywords
Aquarium
Equipment Contamination
Health Facilities
Hospital
Journal of Mashhad Medical Council
Volume 19, Issue 2
Winter 2016
Pages 71-75