Aeromonas bacteremia in patients with hematologic diseases.

Over a 23-year period, 17 patients with hematologic diseases developed Aeromonas bacteremia while in our hematology ward. Male predominance (14 patients, 82%) was seen, with a predilection for the elderly. Hematologic malignancies, especially acute leukemia, accounted for 15 (88%) of all patients. Cancer chemotherapy and neutropenia (15 patients each) were the most common preceding host conditions. Aeromonas bacteremia generally occurred in the second half of the year (July-December), with no exposure to water or fish. Seven recent isolates comprised Aeromonas sobria (five isolates) and Aeromonas hydrophila (two isolates). Twelve patients (71%) showed a clinical picture ranging from mild gastroenteritis to severe enterocolitis. Anorectal and hepatobiliary infections were also noted in a few patients. The overall mortality rate was 35%. Ten (77%) of the 13 patients who were treated with aminoglycoside plus cephalosporin or carbapenem survived in association with marrow recovery.