Introduction:
Aeromonas infection is a skin infection. Aeromonas bacteria causes the Aeromonas skin infection. These bacteria are present in freshwater like rivers, lakes, and ponds. These are also found in brackish water. The infection occurs when an individual contacts an infected water animal. In addition, a human can get infected when the bacteria enters the body through cuts and wounds. People at increased risk of getting infections are immunocompromised individuals with a weakened immune system or any medical diseases that decrease their immunity. The bacteria is found in the hot climate and found in cold-blooded animals like humans, fish, and mammals. The bacteria was first discovered in 1950 in both humans and animals. The common skin infection can be diagnosed by physical examination and blood test. The use of antibiotics can treat the condition. The prognosis of the condition is good. The article discusses Aeromonas skin infection, Aeromonas bacteria, pathology, infection causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
What Are Aeromonas?
Aeromonas is a bacteria that leads to Aeromonas skin infection in humans and animals. Firstly, the bacteria was in the family Vibrionaceae, and then in 1980, it was again recategorized to the family Aeromonadaceae. There are two groups of Aeromonas bacteria. In the first group, the bacteria are motile and cause human infection. The second group of bacteria contains non-motile species and causes infection only in fish. The temperature at which these bacteria grow and multiply is between zero to 42 degrees Celcius. These bacteria cause gastrointestinal infections in humans.
Aeromonas grow in hot climates and are found in fresh and brackish water. The genus Aeromonas is harmless to humans and animals unless they come into contact with it through contaminated water or food.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Aeromonas Skin Infection?
The infection occurs in humans when their skin comes in contact with these bacteria through wounds or cuts. The factors that can lead to the development of skin infections are as follows:
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Contaminated Water: The Aeromonas bacteria is found in freshwater in ponds, rivers, and lakes. When an individual encounters contaminated water while swimming or boating can develop the infection.
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Trauma or Injury: When an individual gets a traumatic injury near the water, the bacteria can enter through the cuts, wounds, or surgical punctures and cause the infection.
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Impaired Immune System: An individual with a weakened immune system, such as in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS), undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy is more susceptible to infections.
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Pre-Existing Skin Infections: If an individual already suffers from other skin infections such as psoriasis or eczema, are more prone to get an infection.
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Warm Climate: An individual living in a warm or hot climate is more prevalent to get an infection.
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Occupational Exposure: Certain workstations can cause skin infections in which an individual comes in contact with the water, such as fish farmers, plant workers, and fishermen.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Aeromonas Skin Infections?
The infection is present with several signs and symptoms. The signs and symptoms are different in every individual because of the change in the immune system. The signs and symptoms are as follows:
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Skin Redness and Inflammation: The affected skin will be red, inflamed, and swollen. The redness and inflammation will be around the cut or wound. It will be localized. The red and inflamed skin is called cellulitis.
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Pain: An infected individual can feel pain and discomfort in the affected skin. The more severe the infection, the more it will be the pain.
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Pus Formation: There may be the presence of pus or discharge from the cut or wound. The color of pus or discharge is yellowish or greenish. The affected person may have an unpleasant odor.
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Blister Formation: The affected skin may have blister or ulcer formation. The pustules or blister contains abscess. These can be filled with fluid and cause pain, discomfort, and tenderness.
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Skin Necrosis: If an individual gets a severe infection, and there are no chances of the infection getting treated. Then, there will be skin tissue necrosis, which results in skin discoloration. The color of the affected skin will be black.
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Impetigo: The blisters or pustules rupture and form a crust on it. The color of the thin crust is yellowish-brown.
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Systemic Symptoms: The symptoms include chills, fever, and malaise.
How Is Aeromonas Skin Infection Diagnosed?
Clinical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests will diagnose Aeromonas skin infections. The healthcare provider will check for the patient's symptoms, which will also help in making a diagnosis. The diagnostic tests are as follows:
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Clinical Examination: The healthcare provider will clinically examine the affected skin. They will also check for signs such as redness, swelling, and inflammation associated with Aeromonas bacterial infection.
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Medical History: The healthcare provider will ask the patient about any previous injury or contact with water resources.
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Sample Test: The healthcare provider will take a fluid sample from the affected area and send it to the laboratory for further testing. Under the microscopic examination, the Aeromonas bacteria will help confirm the diagnosis.
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Wood Lamp Examination: The doctor will check the skin by using ultraviolet light. This is used to see skin pigmentation.
How Is Aeromonas Skin Infection Managed?
The treatment of Aeromonas skin infections is as follows:
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Wound Care: The healthcare provider will clean the wound with saline water and apply sterile dressings.
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Antibiotics: The doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. The antibiotics include Fluoroquinolones and Tetracycline.
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NSAIDs: The doctor will advise the patient to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain management.
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Supportive Care: The doctor may administer intravenous fluids to maintain hydration.
What Are the Complications of Aeromonas Skin Infection?
The complications of Aeromonas skin infection are as follows:
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Abscess formation.
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Permanent scarring.
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Tissue necrosis.
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Stress due to esthetic issues.
Conclusion:
Aeromonas bacteria cause Aeromonas skin infections. The bacteria are present in the brackish and freshwater. The infection occurs when an individual encounters contaminated water and bacteria enter the skin through any cut or wound. The affected skin can be red, painful, and inflamed. There may be fluid discharge from the wound. The condition can be diagnosed by sample testing. The doctor will recommend antibiotics and NSAIDs. If an individual has any cut, that should be taken care of to prevent any life-threatening infections.
