An Update on Aeromonas 2.0

Dear Colleagues,

The genus Aeromonas includes Gram-negative bacilli autochthonous to aquatic environments known to produce infections in humans and fish. Four species, A. caviae, A. dhakensis, A. veronii and A. hydrophila, by order of incidence embrace 96% of the strains recovered in human infections. Gastroenteritis is the most common presentation, followed by wound infections that may progress into necrotizing fasciitis. Of the known 36 species, only 2 are not resistant to ampicillin. Fish infections involve mainly A. salmonicida and A. hydrophila producing a great impact on aquaculture economy, and new potential fish probiotics and vaccines have recently been studied. Proper identification of the species must rely on molecular identification methods (sequences of the genes rpoD, gyrB, etc.). The introduction of MALDI-TOF systems correctly identifies the majority of the strains as belonging to the genus, but confusion still exists when it comes to members of the genus Vibrio. Furthermore, the latter systems are not totally reliable for the identification of the species, due to the limited number of strains and species included in the MALDI-TOF-associated databases. Virulence genes involved in the colonization, invasion, and immune host response have been explored; however, taking advantage of the available genomes, more information should be expected to become available shortly. It is evident that Aeromonas infections will remain a health problem in the near future, as they tend to affect mainly persons with underlying diseases, which is one of the characteristics associated to an increasing elder population. Recently, special attention has been paid to the role of these bacteria in mixed infections. This field of research should be encouraged considering that the synergies or antagonisms of co-infecting microbes are still poorly known, as is their impact on the treatment and evolution of infections. Climate change may also have an important impact on the increasing importance of these waterborne bacteria, since they are part of the microbiome of wastewater that during overflows can contaminate wells and drinking water reservoirs, as well as recreational waters. In addition, their presence in reclaimed water and their capacity to contaminate vegetables such as tomatoes and other types of vegetables and ready to eat food products should be considered.

This Special Issue will provide an updated, global review of the taxonomy, ecology, epidemiology, and pathogenicity of the genus Aeromonas. This is an excellent opportunity to celebrate, together the 80th anniversary of the description of the genus in 1943 by the Canadian great microbiologist Roger Yate Stainer (1916–1982).

Prof. Dr. María José Figueras
Dr. Ana Fernández-Bravo
Prof. Dr. Mark R. Liles
Guest Editors

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• aeromonas
• water ecology
• infections
• virulence
• pathogenicity
• identification
• taxonomy
• epidemiology
• climate change

• An Update on Aeromonas in Microorganisms (9 articles)