Dealing with aeromonas

[Bets]

Hi,

My daughter was diagnosed in Nov 2016 with Crohns. During that time she tested positive for aeromonas. the doctor said the bacteria is not dangerous and let it untreated.

In the meanwhile she had many hospital trips for extreme diarrhea and weakness. Again the stool tested positive for aeromonas. She started on cifran 5 days ago.

Anyone with these symptoms? Do you think the bacteria is causing the CD? She's also on prednisolone and Imuran.

Thanks,
Betsy

 

[Trysha]

Hello Betsy...Welcome to the forum...
Steroids reduce immunity levels and that can lead to opportunistic infections.
Aeromonas hydrophila is a pathogen and causes diarrhoea..it needs antibiotic to eradicate it,but is resistant to a number of antibiotics according to the literature.
I have not seen a specific association with Crohns in reports.
It can be found in aquatic water...swimming in rivers may produce infection.,and handling stagnant water.Do you have fish tanks that she handles? Better not to...
Have you been advised to use live yogurt ...this can be beneficial in restoring the normal bacterial flora in the intestine and is a good thing to do.Some people take probiotics which are a mix of beneficial lactobacilli that normally reside in the intestine and maintain a bacterial balance as well as producing some vitamins.
The cause of Crohns has not yet been defined..but the infection could aggravate it.
We are fellow sufferers on this website and offer information based on personal experiences
and are not doctors.
Hope this is helpful to you
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[Bets]

Thanks Trysha. Actually the aeromonas was diagnosed first. The doctor did not take any steps to eliminate it. Instead started her on steriods and sulphasalazine straight away.

I always thought better to remove any parasites or bacteria first before any medications are started.

Betsy

 

[Trysha]

Hi Betsy
It's only in recent years that some of these bacteria previously considered as. Non disease producing,have been recognized as opportunistic bacteria causing symptoms and requiring antibiotic therapy.
When crohns symptoms are acute it may be necessary to prescribe anti inflammatories at the same time...it is a judgement call on the part of the attending physician who will strive to give maximal therapy
to relieve symptoms.
How is your daughter feeling now...hopefully a little better
Incidentally sulphasalazine does contain antibiotic properties

Trysha