Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Environmental Screening of Aeromonas hydrophila, Mycobacterium spp., and Pseudocapillaria tomentosa in Zebrafish Systems
Published on: December 8, 2017
Isolation and characterization of motile Aeromonas from human, food and environmental specimens
1Department of Bacteriology, Osaka City Institute of Public Health and Environmental Sciences, Japan.
Abstract:
From July 1985 to March 1987, the occurrence of motile Aeromonas sp. in stool, food and environmental specimens was investigated to assess their pathogenic significance and to determine sources and routes of infection. A total of 9366 stool specimens were examined; Aeromonas was isolated from 11.1% of diarrhoeal stools and 2.2% of normal stools (P less than 0.001). Aeromonas counts in food specimens, which included minced beef, pork and chicken, seafood and various vegetables and their products, were unexpectedly high suggesting that infection might be food-borne rather than water-borne. About 70% of the isolates from meat products were A. hydrophila and A. sobria, while A. caviae was the most common in sea-fish, vegetables and their products. Most A. hydrophila and A. sobria strains produced haemolysin, but haemagglutinin was found more frequently in A. sobria.
Insights
Motile Aeromonas species frequently occurred in food, suggesting foodborne transmission is a significant route of infection. This bacterium was more prevalent in diarrheal stools than normal stools.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aeromonas species are motile bacteria found in various environments.
- Understanding their prevalence and pathogenic significance is crucial for public health.
- Previous research has explored Aeromonas in water, but less is known about foodborne sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the occurrence of motile Aeromonas species in stool, food, and environmental samples.
- To assess the pathogenic significance of Aeromonas.
- To determine the primary sources and routes of Aeromonas infection.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 9366 stool specimens.
- Examination of various food items including minced meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables.
- Isolation and identification of Aeromonas species, with characterization of virulence factors like haemolysin and haemagglutinin.
Main Results:
- Aeromonas was isolated from 11.1% of diarrheal stools and 2.2% of normal stools (P < 0.001).
- High Aeromonas counts were found in food specimens, particularly meat and seafood, suggesting a foodborne rather than waterborne route.
- Aeromonas hydrophila and A. sobria were common in meat, while A. caviae predominated in fish and vegetables. Virulence factors varied by species and source.
Conclusions:
- Motile Aeromonas species are significant etiological agents in diarrheal diseases.
- Food, especially meat and seafood, represents a major source for Aeromonas infections.
- Further research into Aeromonas virulence and control measures in food production is warranted.
