Abstract

The Aeromonas species rarely produce human infection but in the cases of concomitant hepatobiliary lesion or leukemia, it invades as opportunistic infection and easily develops to septicemia. Occasionally ecthyma gangrenosum-like skin lesion is associated with Aeromonas septicemia. Since 1981, we have experienced 5 cases of Aeromonas septicemia which were confirmed by blood cultures. The following is the summary of the general features of Aeromonas septicemia. 1) All 5 cases revealed positive blood cultures. 1 case of cholecystitis with multiple stones was positive in bile culture. 2) Among 5 cases, 4 cases were man and all were above forty years. In 4 cases the outbreak was happened during July and August. 3) All patients had associated hepatobiliary disorders and 3 cases were fatal. 4) Recent 3 cases showed skin lesions, purplish deep seated hematomas, on the both lower extremities, seen as ecthyma gangrenosum-like lesion produced by Ps. aeruginosa. 5) The Aeromonas species were sensitive to chloramphenicol, gentamicin, kanamycin, tetracycline, tobramycin, cephalothin and cefoperazone, but resistant to ampicillin.