The sepsis may be pure Aeromonas or mixed with other organisms. The most common Aeromonas species involved is A. hydrophila.
Risk factors for bacteremia (and for mortality):
(1) underlying malignancy
(2) hepatic cirrhosis
(3) immunosuppression
(4) end-stage renal disease
Sepsis may arise de novo or be associated with a pre-existing infection:
(1) spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in the cirrhotic
(2) cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis
(3) acute cholecystitis
(4) burn or trauma wound infection
(5) pneumonia
The gastrointestinal tract is often the portal of infection when no other site can be found.
Clinical findings:
(1) fever > 38°C
(2) hypotension
(3) dyspnea and/or respiratory failure
(4) altered state of consciousness (stupor, coma, etc)
(5) abdominal pain
(6) diarrhea (uncommon)
(7) ecthyma gangrenosum
Resistance to various antibiotics may compromise the effectiveness of treatment. Antibiotic susceptibility testing is essential to identify appropriate regimens to use.
Risk factors for mortality:
(1) moderate to severe predisposing condition
(2) septic shock
(3) altered state of consciousness
(4) multi-organ failure
