Aeromonas Hydrophila

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A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Aeromonas Hydrophila

Classification

Higher order taxa

Cellular organism; Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Gammaproteobacteria; Aeromonadales; Aeromonadaceae; Aeromonas.

Species

NCBI: Taxonomy

Aeromonas hydrophila

Subspecies: Aeromonas hydrophila subsp. anaerogenes, Aeromonas hydrophila subsp. decolorationis, Aeromonas hydrophila subsp. dhakensis, Aeromonas hydrophila subsp. hydrophila ATCC 7966, and Aeromonas hydrophila subsp. ranaei [19].

Description and significance

Aeromonas hydrophila is the most well known of the six species belonging to the genus Aeromonas. It is rod- shaped, non- spore forming, oxidase- positive, glucose- fermenting, facultative anaerobic, gram- negative bacterium that are inhabitant to aquatic environments [1, 2]. This bacterium can be found in fresh, brackish, estuarine, marine, chlorinated and unchlorinated water supplies worldwide, with highest numbers obtained in the warmer climates [1, 2, 3, 4]. The bacterium has optimal growth at 28°C but can also grow at the limits from 4°C to 37°C [1]. Some strains of Aeromonas hydrophila are capable of causing disease in fish and amphibians as well as in humans who may acquire infections through open wounds or by ingestion of an adequate number of the organisms in water or food. This bacterium can digest materials such as gelatin, hemoglobin, and elastin. Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated from diseased cold- and warm- blooded animals for over 100 years and from humans since the early 1950s [1, 5]. It is also hard to kill because it is a resistant bacterium. Aeromonas hydrophila is resistant to chlorine, refrigeration or cold temperatures [24].

Genome structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Edited by student of Rachel Larsen