Human Infection with <i>Edwardsieila tarda</i>

Abstract

Edwardsiella tarda, a recently recognized member of the Enterobacteriaceae, has been isolated in the United States and 14 foreign countries and from both cold- and warm-blooded animals. Although the organism has been well characterized bacteriologically, little is known about its role in producing disease in man. A case of liver abscess and septicemia due to E. tarda and the clinical information on eight cases of mild diarrhea or wound infection in which the organism was isolated are reported. In tests on isolates obtained in four cases, the organism was sensitive to antibiotics commonly used in treating infections with gram-negative organisms, including salmonellae. A review of other cases of infection with E. tarda reported to date indicates that this organism is capable of producing disease patterns similar to those caused by salmonellae. The isolation of E. tarda should be regarded as significant if the patient manifests clinical features similar to those described for salmonellosis.