Work

The Role of Aeromonas Species as Enteropathogens in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Aims: Aeromonas species are Gram-negative, flagellated bacilli suggested to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare-ups, but their precise role remains controversial.This retrospective study investigated Aeromonas as an enteropathogen in patients with IBD.Methods: This study analyzed patients who tested positive for Aeromonas via stool multiplex PCR at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital between June 2023 and May 2025.Results: Among the overall IBD cohort, Aeromonas was detected in 11/94 patients (11.7%; five with ulcerative colitis and six with Crohn's disease), identifying it as the second most prevalent pathogen, closely following Clostridioides difficile (14.9%, 14/94).This positivity rate was significantly higher than the 3.6% (111/3,056) observed in patients without IBD (p<0.001).IBD patients showed significantly lower PCR cycle threshold values (34.68±4.5 vs. 39.24±4.5, p=0.004), indicating a higher abundance of genetic material.Conclusions: In conclusion, Aeromonas positivity is significantly more prevalent in IBD patients and is associated with a higher abundance of genetic material and inflammatory markers.Nevertheless, it is unclear if Aeromonas, acting as an enteropathogen, directly triggers acute flare-ups or is merely a consequence of a pre-existing compromised mucosal environment in patients with IBD.(Korean

Source: Korean Journal of Gastroenterology

DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2027.027

Authors: Daein Kim, Jiyoung Yoon, Jae-seok Kim, You Sun Kim

Institutions: Hallym University, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Subfield: Gastroenterology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $7