From Fish and Amphibians Diseases

Important Tip! People with weak immune systems (such as people with HIV/AIDS) should avoid cleaning fish tanks. These people can get very sick from a bacterium, called Mycobacterium, found in aquarium water.

Fish, frogs, toads, and the water they live in can carry bacteria that may cause illness in people. Some people are more likely than others to get diseases from fish and amphibians. A person's age and health status may affect his or her immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick. People who are more likely to get diseases from fish and amphibians include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS, and people getting treatment for cancer. Special advice is available for people who are at greater risk of getting diseases from animals.

Learn more about aquarium animal-related diseases below.

Salmonella Infection (salmonellosis): A disease associated with amphibians and aquarium water.