Which fermentative organism may infect reptiles and fish as well as humans when exposed to contaminated soil or water?

Which fermentative organism may infect reptiles and fish as well as humans when exposed to contaminated soil or water?

• A. Chromobacterium
• B. Enterobacter
• C. Aeromonas
• D. Chryseobacterium

Answer: (C)

Exposure to contaminated soil or water brings humans into contact with environmental bacteria that can cross species and cause disease in different hosts. Aeromonas species are common in fresh water and soil and are well known pathogens of fish and reptiles, as well as humans. They are fermentative Gram-negative rods, meaning they metabolize sugars by fermentation, a trait that helps distinguish them in the lab. In humans, Aeromonas can cause wound infections and gastroenteritis after exposure to contaminated water. Other organisms listed are typically nonfermenters or not as closely linked to aquatic animal infections from soil or water exposure, so Aeromonas best fits the scenario described.

Exposure to contaminated soil or water brings humans into contact with environmental bacteria that can cross species and cause disease in different hosts. Aeromonas species are common in fresh water and soil and are well known pathogens of fish and reptiles, as well as humans. They are fermentative Gram-negative rods, meaning they metabolize sugars by fermentation, a trait that helps distinguish them in the lab. In humans, Aeromonas can cause wound infections and gastroenteritis after exposure to contaminated water. Other organisms listed are typically nonfermenters or not as closely linked to aquatic animal infections from soil or water exposure, so Aeromonas best fits the scenario described.