From the Research
Yes, Aeromonas species do possess flagella, with most having a single polar flagellum and some producing multiple lateral flagella under specific conditions. The presence of flagella in Aeromonas species is a key characteristic that contributes to their motility and virulence. According to the most recent study 1, Aeromonas dhakensis, an emergent human pathogen, exhibits a dual flagellar system, with polar flagella being constitutively expressed and lateral flagella being inducible. This dual system provides Aeromonas with versatile motility capabilities, allowing them to survive in various aquatic environments and colonize hosts.
The importance of flagella in Aeromonas species is further emphasized by their role in virulence, as they facilitate bacterial adhesion to host cells and contribute to biofilm formation, enhancing their pathogenicity in both humans and aquatic animals 2, 3. The lateral flagella, in particular, have been shown to be required for swarming motility and are involved in the formation of bacterium-bacterium linkages on surfaces 4.
Key points about Aeromonas flagella include:
- Most Aeromonas species have a single polar flagellum for swimming in liquid environments
- Some Aeromonas species produce multiple lateral flagella for swarming across surfaces
- The dual flagellar system contributes to their survival and ability to colonize hosts
- Flagella are important virulence factors, facilitating bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation
- The presence of flagella is a key characteristic of Aeromonas species, with the polar flagellum being constitutively expressed and the lateral flagella system being inducible under specific environmental conditions 1.