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

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.