Infections
According to studies, fish pedicures can increase your chances of having zoonotic diseases, which are infections that affect animals and can spread to human beings. A 2020 study showed that the risk of infection is generally low. However, Garra rufa which is derived from fish spas may contain microorganisms that result in diseases in both fish and humans. These microorganisms include:
- Mycobacterium marinum [3]
- Mycobacterium goodii
- Aeromonas hydrophila
- Vibrio cholerae [4]
- Aeromonas veronii
- Shewanella putrefaciens [5]
Experts believe that the microbes grow and spread to humans because the fish are not healthy, especially during transmission. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is usually difficult to keep an artificial fish spa clean every time. For example, it is usually difficult to sanitize basins and thoroughly clean them during pedicures. This is because most methods of cleaning end up harming the fish. In most cases, fish spas use the same fish for more than one client. Scientists need to do more research to know if Garra rufa in natural hot springs also poses these threats.