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Aeromonas spp. and traveler's diarrhea: clinical features and antimicrobial resistance

Jordi Vila1, Joaquin Ruiz, Francisco Gallardo

  • 1Microbiology Laboratory, Institute of Infections and Immunology, Hospital Clinic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Villaroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain. vila@medicina.ub.es

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|May 10, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Aeromonas species cause traveler's diarrhea in 2% of cases, frequently presenting with watery, persistent symptoms. Treatment is often necessary due to antimicrobial resistance patterns observed in these common travel-related infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Traveler's diarrhea is a prevalent health concern for international travelers.
  • Understanding the causative agents and their characteristics is crucial for effective management.
  • Aeromonas species are increasingly recognized as potential pathogens in diarrheal diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Aeromonas species in traveler's diarrhea.
  • To analyze the geographic distribution, clinical features, and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated Aeromonas strains.
  • To inform treatment strategies for Aeromonas-associated traveler's diarrhea.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 863 international travelers with diarrhea.
  • Isolation and identification of Aeromonas species from stool samples.
  • Assessment of clinical symptoms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolates.

Main Results:

  • Aeromonas species were identified in 18 (2%) of patients with traveler's diarrhea.
  • Commonly isolated species included A. veronii biotype sobria and A. caviae.
  • Geographic prevalence was similar across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
  • Symptoms included watery, persistent diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
  • All isolates were resistant to ampicillin; variable resistance to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and cotrimoxazole.
  • Susceptibility was observed for cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid.

Conclusions:

  • Aeromonas species are a relevant cause of traveler's diarrhea globally.
  • Clinical presentation often necessitates antimicrobial treatment due to symptom persistence.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns highlight the need for appropriate antibiotic selection, favoring agents like ciprofloxacin.

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