Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria intestinal infection in a child girl after eating freshwater fish and drinking from a natural river in Southern Fars Province, Iran

Abstract

Due to infrequent detection and reporting of enteric infections caused by Aeromonas species compared to other enteric bacteria, this report describes a case of enteric infection caused by Aeromonas species in a child girl after eating fresh fish and drinking from a river near her village in southern Fars province, Iran. In this case, a rectal swab culture and stool examination were requested for investigation due to diarrhea. Bacteriological laboratory tests revealed an intestinal infection with Aeromonas species. Confirmation was therefore carried out using the automated BD Phoenix system and biochemical reactions. The results showed Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria. Fortunately, in our cases, the intestinal infection was self-limiting and no antibiotics were given. This case highlights a rare occurrence of Aeromonas intestinal infection and demonstrates the risk of river and freshwater fish in transmitting Aeromonas to humans, especially in infants and child, which can be dangerous for this age group. It highlights the potential health risks associated with drinking water from natural sources, especially in rural areas or in underserved areas where the quality of the water may be compromised. To understand the prevalence of Aeromonas infections in similar settings and develop targeted prevention strategies, we recommend further epidemiological studies and healthcare providers should be vigilant and consider Aeromonas as a potential pathogen in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, especially after exposure to contaminated water.