Fish Pedicures Could Cause Wound Infections!

Eeewwwwww. Plus… poor fishies!
In 2008, pedicures using inch-long, toothless Garra ruffa fish soared in popularity throughout the UK and US. The ‘doctor’ fish would softly nibble all the dead, nastiness off of participant’s feet, leaving soft, new skin behind.
BUT according to a recent study conducted by the U.K.’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science and published by the US Center For Disease Control, using fish for the above beauty purpose is not only potentially harmful for humans, but also elicits concern for the humane treatment of animals.
Lead researcher David Verner-Jeffreys revealed:

“To date there has been only limited information on the types of bacteria associated with these fish. Our study identified some of the species of bacteria associated with this fish species, including some that can cause infections in both fish and humans…The (strep) strain we isolated typically only causes disease in fish. We then went on to look at other consignments of apparently healthy imported G. rufa and found some other species of bacteria that can cause disease in humans and fish.”

These bacteria include Aeromonas, which can cause wound infections and gastrointestinal problems in humans, and are easier to contract if one has pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
Horrible.
14 States including California have banned fish-pedis. PHEW.
For the the FULL report in all its scientific glory CLICK HERE!!
[Image via AP Images.]