Re-examination of Rattus norvegicus as an animal model for Aeromonas-associated enteritis in man.

We have developed an oral feeding model for Aeromonas hydrophila enteritis using Rattus norvegicus with clindamycin pretreatment. All animals in the clindamycin group developed a self-limited, loose stool by day four of feeding. Intestinal examination revealed evidence of enteritis. Moreover, antibiotic usage may be a predisposing risk factor to infection.