American Society of Hirudotherapy

Aeromonas: the multifaceted middleman in the One Health world

Review published in Current Opinion in Microbiology (2021)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewSafety & Infection ControlLamy B et al. · Current opinion in microbiology, 2021

Abstract

Aeromonas is at the interface of all the One Health components and represents an amazingly sound test case in the One Health approach, from economic loss in aquaculture tochallenges related to antibiotic-resistant bacteria selected from the environment. In human health, infections following leech therapy is an outstanding example of such One Health challenges. Aeromonads are not only ubiquitous environmental bacteria, able to rapidly colonize and cause opportunistic infections in humans and animals, they are also capable of promoting interactions and gene exchanges between the One Health components. This makes this genus a key amplifier of genetic transfer, especially of antibiotic resistance genes.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAeromonasAnimalsAnti-Bacterial AgentsAquacultureOne Health

Summary

Comprehensive One Health review of Aeromonas across environmental, animal, and human-pathogen contexts. Discusses leech-associated A. veronii and surgical wound infections.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This review examines Aeromonas as a genus at the interface of human, animal, and environmental health within a One Health framework, noting specifically that infections following leech therapy represent an outstanding example of such One Health challenges. Aeromonads are described as ubiquitous environmental bacteria capable of rapidly colonizing hosts and causing opportunistic infections in humans and animals, and as key amplifiers of genetic transfer including antibiotic resistance genes. For ASH, this review is relevant in that it explicitly identifies leech-therapy-associated infections as a significant One Health concern. However, the leech therapy dimension appears to be only one of several topics discussed, and the abstract provides limited detail on the specific clinical scope or management of hirudotherapy-related infections.

Citation

Aeromonas: the multifaceted middleman in the One Health world.

Lamy B et al. · Current opinion in microbiology, 2021

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.