Characteristics

Aeromonas hydrophila is one of the species belonging to the genus Aeromonas. They are heterotrophic organisms and can exist in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. A.hydrophila has pilli which allows it to attach to host organisms. It also produces Aerolysin Cytotoxic Enterotoxin (ACT), which causes tissue damage. A.hydrophila is an opportunistic pathogen.

Pathogenesis

A.hydrophila is an oppourtunistic pathogen and can cause pathogenesis in the following species;

Amphibians- Red-leg syndrome.

Cattle- Abortion.

Freshwater fish- Haemorrhagic septicaemia.

Young dogs- Septicaemia.

Rabbits- Haemorrhagic colitis.

Humans- Food poisoning.

Captive Snakes- Ulcerative stomatitis, Pneumonia and septicaemia.