Epidemiology of Aeromonas Species Bloodstream Infection in Queensland, Australia: Association with Regional and Climate Zones.

Aeromonas species can cause severe bloodstream infection (BSI) however, few studies have examined their epidemiology in non-selected populations. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence and determinants of Aeromonas species BSI in Queensland, Australia. A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted during 2000-2019. Aeromonas species BSI were identified by laboratory surveillance and clinical and outcome information through data linkages to statewide databases. A total of 407 incident Aeromonas species BSI were identified with an age- and sex-standardized incidence of 5.2 per million residents annually. No trend in annual incidence rate during two decades of surveillance was demonstrated. Significant variable monthly occurrences were observed with highest rates during warmer, wetter months, and lowest rates during winter and dry periods. There was significant variability in incidence accordingly to region and climate zones, with higher rates observed in tropical north regions and lowest in southeastern corner. The highest incidence was observed in very remote and hot areas in Queensland. Cases were infrequent in children and risk was highest in elderly and males. Seventy-eight patients died within 30 days with a case-fatality rate of 19%. Older age, non-focal infection, higher Charlson score, and monomicrobial bacteremia were independent risk factors for death. Demographic and climatic changes may increase the burden of these infections in future years.

MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY PASTEURELLACEAE FROM THE ORAL CAVITY OF KOALAS (PHASCOLARCTOS CINEREUS) AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH ISOLATES FROM KOALA BITE WOUNDS IN HUMANS.

A total of 22 Pasteurellaceae isolates obtained from the oral cavity of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) at different wildlife centers in Australia were investigated using amplification and sequencing of two housekeeping genes, rpoA and recN. The available sequences from the Lonepinella koalarum type strain (ACM3666T) and the recent isolates of Lonepinella-like bacteria obtained from human infected wounds associated with koala bites were also included. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on the concatenated rpoA-recN genes and genome relatedness was calculated based on the recN sequences. The oral cavity isolates, the koala bite wound isolates, and L. koalarum ACM3666T resulted in four clusters (Clusters 1-4). Clusters 1-3 were clearly not members of the genus Lonepinella. Cluster 1 was closely related to the genus Fredericksenia, and Clusters 2 and 3 appeared to be novel genera. Cluster 4 consisted of three subclusters: Cluster 4a with one koala bite wound isolate and L. koalarum ACM3666T, Cluster 4b with three oral cavity isolates and two Lonepinella-like wound isolates, and Cluster 4c with three nearly identical oral cavity isolates that may represent a different species within the genus Lonepinella. The rich Pasteurellaceae population, including potential novel taxa in the oral cavity of koalas supports an important role of these highly adapted microorganisms in the physiology of koalas. Moreover, the pathogenic potential of Lonepinella-like species is an important consideration when investigating infected koala bites in humans.

Draft Genome Sequence of Aeromonas dhakensis, Isolated from a Patient with Fatal Necrotizing Fasciitis.

Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas dhakensis are ubiquitous in marine and aquatic environments. Both species, which cause significant skin and soft tissue infection, are often associated with water activities and floods. Here, we describe the draft genome sequence of A. dhakensis, isolated from a fatal case of necrotizing fasciitis.

Genotypic and phenotypic identification of Aeromonas species and CphA-mediated carbapenem resistance in Queensland, Australia.

Infection caused by Aeromonas spp. ranges from superficial wound infection to life-threatening septicemia. Carbapenem resistance due to metallo-beta-lactamase, CphA encoded by the cphA gene, is a significant problem. This study defines Aeromonas spp. causing clinical disease in Queensland, Australia. Phenotypic tests for carbapenemase detection were assessed. One hundred Aeromonas isolates from blood (22), wound (46), sterile sites (11), stool (18), eye (2), and sputum (1) were characterized by rpoB and gyrB sequencing. Meropenem susceptibility by VITEK2, disk diffusion, and E-test MIC were determined. Carbapenemase production was assessed by Carba NP test and cphA by PCR. Gene sequencing identified isolates as Aeromonas dhakensis (39), Aeromonas veronii (21), Aeromonas hydrophila (20), Aeromonas caviae (14), Aeromonas jandaei (4), Aeromonas bestiarum (1), and Aeromonas sanarellii (1). Disk diffusion and E-test failed to detect resistance in isolates with presence of cphA. Carba NP was performed with 97.4% sensitivity and 95.7% specificity. Carbapenem resistance gene cphA was detected in A. veronii (21; 100%), A. hydrophila (18; 90%), A. dhakensis (34; 87.2%), A. jandaei (3; 75%), and A. bestiarum (1; 100%) but not A. caviae. We found that A. dhakensis was the predominant species, a previously unrecognized pathogen in this region.