Severe skin and soft tissue infection in the left upper limb caused by Aeromonas veronii: a case report

Skin and soft tissue infections are common because of exposure to aquatic environment, while severe infections caused by Aeromonas veronii are rare. We report a case of severe skin and soft tissue infection of the left upper limb caused by Aeromonas veronii. A 50-year-old Chinese woman, who had a history of cardiac disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus, accidentally injured her left thumb while cutting a fish. Early antibiotic therapy and surgical debridement was performed before the result of bacterial culture came back. Whole-genome sequencing was further performed to confirm the pathogen and reveal the drug resistance and virulence genes. The wound was gradually repaired after 1 month of treatment, and the left hand recovered well in appearance and function after 3 months of rehabilitation. Early diagnosis, surgical intervention, and administration of appropriate antibiotics are crucial for patients who are suspected of having skin and soft tissue infection, or septicemia caused by Aeromonas veronii.