Aeromonas hydrophila
Aeromonas hydrophila
Aeromonas hydrophila is a facultatively anaerobic, Gram-negative bacterium within the family Aeromonadaceae. It is ubiquitously distributed in aquatic environments and possesses a polar flagellum for motility. The bacterium is well-known for causing diseases such as hemorrhagic septicemia in fish and amphibians, but it can also cause infections in humans.
Details
Identification
Gram-negative, rod-shaped, oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, motile via polar monotrichous flagella.
Social behavior
Formation of biofilms and communication via quorum sensing.
Diet
Heterotrophic nutrition by decomposing proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates in the water.
Overwintering
Survival in sediments or as part of biofilms at low temperatures.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important primary decomposer of organic matter; also acts as a natural regulator of fish populations through pathogenicity.
Natural predators
Bacteriophages, predatory protozoa (e.g., ciliates), and zooplankton.
Competitor species
Other aquatic bacteria such as Pseudomonas species or Vibrio species.
Ecosystem service
Decomposition of detritus and recycling of organic carbon in aquatic systems.
Scientific profile
Profile
Habitat
Ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems: freshwater, brackish water, sewage, and drinking water distribution systems. Also found in moist soils and the intestinal tract of aquatic organisms.
Ecological role
Important component of the natural aquatic microflora; acts as an opportunistic pathogen that becomes virulent especially under stress or environmental pressure (e.g., temperature increase).