Patients with which underlying conditions are at higher risk for infections with Aeromonas species?

Individuals with immunocompromising diseases are at a higher risk for infections with Aeromonas species due to their weakened immune responses. Aeromonas species are aquatic bacteria commonly found in freshwater environments and are generally associated with opportunistic infections. In patients with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or receiving immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., organ transplant recipients), the body’s ability to fend off infections is significantly reduced. This allows pathogens like Aeromonas to proliferate and cause infections, which can manifest as gastroenteritis, wound infections, and even systemic illnesses in these susceptible populations.

While conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, and diabetes mellitus can impact overall health, they do not specifically alter the immune response to the extent seen in patients with immunocompromising conditions. Therefore, such conditions are not as strongly linked to an increased risk of infection from Aeromonas as are immunocompromising diseases.