Experimental toxin production by Aeromonas species in poultry meat extract at low temperature

The ability of toxigenic strains of Aeromonas hydrophila. Aeromonas sobria and Aeromonas caviae to produce exotoxins (enterotoxin, haemolysin and cytotoxin) in poultry meat extract at refrigeration temperature (5±1°C) was studied upto 7 days. Aeromonas hydrophila and A. sobria strains produced these toxins after 4 days of storage while A. caviae was able to produce after 6 days. The titres of haemolysin and cytotoxin produced by A. sobria were (each 1: 32) and reached their maximum earlier than that due to A. hydrophila (1:32, 1:8) and A. caviae (1: 4). The possible involvement of preformed toxin(s) in Aeromonas associated gastroenteritis has been discussed.