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Description

Aeromonas species are environmental Gram negative bacilli that occasionally can cause human disease. Necrotizing soft tissue infections may occur if certain exposures and risk factors are present.


 

Species involved: usually A. hydrophila, sometimes other

 

Exposures:

(1) exposure to environmental fresh or brackish water during the summer

(2) exposure to environmental fresh or brackish water in the tropics

(3) leech attachment

 

Patient risk factors:

(1) immunosuppression

(2) cirrhosis

(3) diabetes mellitus

(4) deep skin burn

(5) skin and soft tissue trauma

(6) crush injury

 

Clinical manifestations:

(1) cellulitis with suppuration

(2) systemic signs of malaise and fever

(3) necrotizing fasciitis

(4) myonecrosis with or without gas formation

 

Complications:

(1) sepsis

(2) osteomyelitis

 

Differential diagnosis:

(1) soft tissue infection due to Vibrio species

 


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