What type of water is primarily associated with Plesiomonas shigelloides?

Plesiomonas shigelloides is primarily associated with non-potable fresh water. This bacterium is an emerging waterborne pathogen that has been isolated from various environmental sources, particularly freshwater systems such as lakes, rivers, and streams, where the water may not be safe for drinking purposes. This association underscores the importance of monitoring water quality to prevent outbreaks of illness caused by organisms like Plesiomonas shigelloides.

While it is true that polluted water can harbor a variety of pathogens, and salt water can also contain Plesiomonas in some cases, the strongest and most consistent link is with non-potable fresh water. Distilled water, on the other hand, is treated and purified, making it highly unlikely to have contamination from pathogens, including Plesiomonas shigelloides.