Overview of Marine Bites and Stings

Some marine bites and stings are toxic, such as those inflicted by

• Cnidaria (or coelenterates, such as jellyfish and sea anemones)

• Mollusks

• Sea urchins

• Stingrays

All create wounds that are at risk of infection with marine organisms, most notably Vibrio species, Aeromonas species, and Mycobacterium marinum.

Shark bites result in jagged lacerations with near-total or total amputations and should be treated in the same way as other major trauma (see Evaluation and Treatment of the Trauma Patient).

(See also Fish and Shellfish Poisoning.)