Aeromonads
Aeromonas
Aeromonas is a genus of ubiquitously occurring bacteria that morphologically resemble Enterobacteriaceae and are usually motile by means of a polar flagellum. They inhabit freshwater and brackish water environments worldwide, as well as moist soils, and are often part of the natural intestinal flora of fish and other aquatic animals. Some species, such as Aeromonas hydrophila, are known as opportunistic pathogens capable of causing infections in both animals and humans.
Details
Identification
Gram-negative rods, oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, facultatively anaerobic, usually monotrichously flagellated.
Social behavior
Formation of biofilms and communication via quorum sensing.
Diet
Chemoorganotrophic; they utilize a wide variety of organic compounds, particularly carbohydrates and proteins, through fermentation or respiration.
Overwintering
Survival in sediments or as part of biofilms at low temperatures.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important decomposers in the carbon and nitrogen cycles of aquatic systems; also symbionts or pathogens in aquatic organisms.
Natural predators
Bacteriophage viruses, protozoa (unicellular organisms), and filtering macroinvertebrates.
Competitor species
Other aquatic bacteria such as Pseudomonas species or Vibrio species.
Ecosystem service
Decomposition of organic matter and remineralization of nutrients in water bodies.
Scientific profile
Profile
Habitat
Ubiquitous in aquatic environments: freshwater, brackish water, sewage, and drinking water distribution systems. They also colonize sediments and form biofilms on surfaces.
Ecological role
Important decomposers in the aquatic carbon and nitrogen cycles. They also act as opportunistic pathogens that can contribute to the natural regulation of fish populations.