Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Evaluating Virulence and Pathogenesis of Aeromonas Infection in a Caenorhabditis elegans Model
Published on: December 20, 2018
Segmental colitis associated with Aeromonas hydrophila.
F A Farraye1, M A Peppercorn, P S Ciano
1Charles A. Dana Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
This case report describes a 40-year-old woman with segmental colitis linked to Aeromonas hydrophila. The patient had abdominal pain and diarrhea. Stool testing identified Aeromonas hydrophila, and the patient improved with appropriate antibiotics. A follow-up colonoscopy showed full recovery. The report supports the idea that Aeromonas species can cause colitis in healthy individuals and should be considered in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Infectious Disease Research
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
Segmental colitis remains a diagnostic challenge due to overlapping features with inflammatory bowel disease and other infectious causes. While common pathogens like Salmonella and Shigella are well-documented, less frequent agents remain under-recognized. Prior research has shown that Aeromonas species can cause gastrointestinal illness, but their role in colitis is less established. No prior work had resolved whether Aeromonas species consistently lead to segmental colitis in immunocompetent individuals. This gap motivated the need to document clinical cases where Aeromonas species are directly linked to colonic inflammation. The uncertainty around Aeromonas as a potential pathogen for colitis persists in clinical guidelines. That uncertainty drove this case report aiming to expand understanding of Aeromonas-related colitis. No prior work had resolved the full clinical and histologic response to antibiotic therapy in such cases.
Purpose Of The Study:
The aim of this case report is to document a patient with segmental colitis linked to Aeromonas hydrophila. The specific problem is the lack of awareness about Aeromonas as a cause of colitis in otherwise healthy individuals. This report seeks to clarify the clinical presentation and diagnostic approach for Aeromonas-associated colitis. The motivation stems from the need to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies for atypical colitis cases. This case provides a rare opportunity to observe both endoscopic and histologic resolution after targeted therapy. The authors propose that Aeromonas species should be included in the differential diagnosis for segmental colitis. No prior work had resolved the full clinical and histologic response to antibiotic therapy in such cases. This case supports the belief that Aeromonas species can act as pathogens in healthy individuals.
Main Methods:
The study involved a single patient with symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea. Stool cultures were performed to identify potential pathogens. Colonoscopy was used to assess the extent of colonic involvement. Histologic analysis confirmed the presence of colitis. Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated from the stool sample. Appropriate antibiotic therapy was administered based on culture results. Follow-up colonoscopy was conducted to evaluate treatment response. The study relied on clinical, endoscopic, and histologic data to support its conclusions.
Main Results:
Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated from the patient's stool sample. The patient's symptoms resolved with targeted antibiotic therapy. Follow-up colonoscopy showed complete endoscopic resolution of the colitis. Histologic findings also demonstrated full resolution of the inflammatory process. The patient remained asymptomatic after treatment completion. No recurrence of symptoms was observed during follow-up. The study suggests that Aeromonas species can cause segmental colitis in healthy individuals. The results support the inclusion of Aeromonas in the differential diagnosis of colitis.
Conclusions:
The authors conclude that Aeromonas hydrophila can cause segmental colitis in immunocompetent individuals. The study supports the belief that Aeromonas species are pathogens in healthy humans. The clinical and histologic resolution observed in this case strengthens this conclusion. The report proposes that Aeromonas should be considered in the differential diagnosis of segmental colitis. The findings suggest that appropriate antibiotic therapy can lead to full recovery. No prior work had resolved the full clinical and histologic response to antibiotic therapy in such cases. The authors suggest that awareness of Aeromonas-related colitis may improve diagnostic accuracy. The study does not propose future directions or drug targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main outcome is the complete resolution of segmental colitis after treatment with antibiotics targeting Aeromonas hydrophila.
Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated from the patient’s stool sample through standard culture techniques.
Segmental colitis overlaps with inflammatory bowel disease and other infectious causes, making it difficult to distinguish without targeted testing.
Colonoscopy and histologic analysis were used to confirm the presence of colitis and assess treatment response.
The patient’s symptoms resolved completely, and follow-up showed endoscopic and histologic healing.
The authors suggest that Aeromonas species should be considered in the differential diagnosis of segmental colitis.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Amebiasis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Diverticular Disease of the Colon

