Human Edwardsiellosis traced to ornamental fish

Protracted diarrhea in a 2-month-old Belgian infant was associated with Edwardsiella tarda as the only potential pathogen. The same organism was isolated from a tropical aquarium fish in the home of the patient. The enteropathogenic role of E. tarda and the role of fish as a reservoir of infection are reviewed. Additional observations, volunteer studies, and careful prospective surveys in tropical countries will be needed to produce firm evidence of the enteropathogenic potential of E. tarda.