Aeromonas hydrophila, a distinctly unusual organism for humans, usually causes a localized infection after contamination of the wound with water or animal products. In rare instances, systemic disease does occur in man, and 35 cases of septicemia have been documented.1-8 Most infections occurred in individuals undergoing chemotherapy for malignant neoplasms or in adults with cirrhosis. One adult with meningitis has been described, and he had a craniotomy after a head injury.3
In the pediatric age group (< 15 years old), there have been eight cases of A hydrophila septicemia reported, and all had malignant neoplasms.2.4.5.8.
As in adults, the usual A hydrophila infections were related to localized wound sepsis and trauma, and have not been commonly associated with septicemia. A child with sickle cell anemia who had a fulminating A hydrophila septicemia and meningitis is the subject of this report.
Report of a Case.—A 23-month-old black