The use of a biotyping system to investigate an unusual clustering bacteraemias caused by Aeromonas species

J Hosp Infect. 1984 Jun;5(2):205-9. doi: 10.1016/0195-6701(84)90125-7.

Abstract

Aeromonas spp. were isolated from blood cultures taken from four clinically bacteraemic patients over an 18 day period on four separate wards. A common source was suspected and extensive environmental sampling revealed two more ward isolates of Aeromonas spp. A biotyping system was employed which distinguished the strains from each other and indicated that a common source was unlikely. This coincidental clustering occurred in the autumn, a period when isolates from water and faeces are normally at a peak. All patients were debilitated and it is postulated that their own gastrointestinal tracts acted as the most likely route for their bacteraemias.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aeromonas / classification*
  • Aeromonas / isolation & purification
  • Aged
  • Digestive System / microbiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sepsis / epidemiology
  • Sepsis / etiology
  • Sepsis / microbiology*