Aeromonas caviae mimicking Vibrio cholerae infectious enteropathy in a cholera-endemic region. KCMC AERO1

We report two cases with clinically mild cholera-like symptoms, at a time when a cholera outbreak was unfolding in other regions of the country (Tanzania). Initial microbiological testing determined colonies isolated from stool to be Vibrio cholerae, and warranted the conclusion "presumptive cholera". Whole genome sequencing established the presence of Aeromonas caviae rather than V. cholerae. The co-existence of Aeromonas species with V. cholerae in cholera-endemic regions suggests the possibility that a proportion of suspected cholera cases may be Aeromonas infections.