{Reference Type}: Case Reports
{Title}: Aeromonas sobria sepsis complicated by rhabdomyolysis in an HIV-positive patient: case report and evaluation of traits associated with bacterial virulence.
{Author}: Stano F;Brindicci G;Monno R;Rizzo C;Ghezzani F;Carbonara S;Guaglianone E;Donelli G;Monno L;
{Journal}: Int J Infect Dis
{Volume}: 13
{Issue}: 3
{Year}: May 2009
{Factor}: 12.074
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.ijid.2008.08.003
{Abstract}: Human infection with Aeromonas species is uncommon and most often due to trauma with exposure to contaminated water or soil. A 43-year-old HIV- and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected male, after a two-week course of corticosteroid therapy for an autoimmune anemia, developed diarrhea, dermatologic manifestations and a multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, resulting in death. Although stool samples were repeatedly negative, two sets of blood cultures obtained during a single peak of fever yielded the post-mortem isolation of a Gram-negative, oxidase-positive, beta-hemolytic bacillus that was identified as Aeromonas sobria. Empiric antibiotic therapy was unsuccessful. Evaluation of the virulence-associated traits of the clinical isolate (adhesion, cytotoxicity activity, biofilm production) showed that the strain was a poor producer of recognized virulence factors, thereby indicating that the unfortunate coexistence of HIV infection, HCV-related liver cirrhosis and corticosteroids played a key role in the clinical course.