Putative virulence properties of Aeromonas strains isolated from food, environmental and clinical sources in Italy: A comparative study

► Food and environmental Aeromonas strains were cytotoxic and adhesive at 37 °C. ► Food and environmental strains showed toxigenic patterns similar to clinical strains. ► We confirm that aeromonads have the potential to cause human illness. ► We confirm the role of food and water as vehicles for Aeromonas diseases.