A liver abscess caused by Aeromonas dhakensis after the consumption of freshwater fish: A case report and literature review

<i>Aeromonas dhakensis</i>, is increasingly recognized as a pathogen capable of causing a variety of infections, particularly in individuals with underlying malignancies. However, detailed pediatric data concerning this organism remains scarce. We describe a 16-year-old male patient with aplastic anemia and leukemia who developed persistent fever and abdominal pain following the consumption of partially cooked freshwater fish. Initial antibiotic therapy proved ineffective, and imaging studies revealed a liver abscess. Although initial pus culture misidentified the pathogen as <i>Aeromonas hydrophila</i>, mNGS subsequently confirmed the presence of <i>A. dhakensis</i> in blood and pus samples. After adjusting the antibiotic regimen and performing abscess drainage, the patient's condition improved significantly, leading to his eventual discharge. <i>A. dhakensis</i>, while an uncommon cause of bacteremia, is often misidentified as <i>A. hydrophila</i>. This case highlights the importance of accurate species identification and underscores the need for further research to fully understand the distribution and clinical implications of <i>A. dhakensis</i> infections.