Vibriosis

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Adult cholera patient

Cholera rehydration nurses

Vibriosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Vibrio. These bacteria are commonly found in marine and estuarine environments and can cause illness in humans and marine animals. Vibriosis is of particular concern in regions with warm coastal waters.

Causative Agents

The primary species of Vibrio responsible for vibriosis in humans include:

• Vibrio cholerae: Known for causing cholera, a severe diarrheal disease.
• Vibrio parahaemolyticus: Often associated with gastroenteritis from consuming raw or undercooked seafood.
• Vibrio vulnificus: Known for causing severe wound infections and septicemia, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Transmission

Vibriosis is typically transmitted through:

• Consumption of contaminated seafood, particularly raw or undercooked shellfish such as oysters.
• Exposure of open wounds to seawater containing Vibrio bacteria.

Symptoms

The symptoms of vibriosis can vary depending on the species of Vibrio involved:

• Gastroenteritis: Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. This is commonly associated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
• Wound infections: Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain at the site of infection, which can progress to more severe conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis, especially with Vibrio vulnificus.
• Septicemia: Symptoms include fever, chills, decreased blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions, often associated with Vibrio vulnificus.

Risk Factors

Individuals at higher risk for vibriosis include:

• People with liver disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems.
• Individuals who consume raw or undercooked seafood.
• People with open wounds exposed to warm seawater.

Prevention

Preventive measures for vibriosis include:

• Avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood.
• Properly cooking seafood to an internal temperature of at least 145 F (63 C).
• Avoiding exposure of open wounds to seawater, especially in areas known for Vibrio outbreaks.

Treatment

Treatment for vibriosis depends on the severity of the infection:

• Mild cases: Often self-limiting and may only require supportive care such as hydration.
• Severe cases: May require antibiotics, particularly for infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus. Wound infections may require surgical intervention.

Related Pages

• Cholera
• Foodborne illness
• Marine biology
• Infectious disease

Gallery

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  distribution of cholera

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  Cholera Bacteria

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  Vibrio cholerae

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  A public notice anno 6th august 1833 from the staff of the swedish king, who shall introduce restrictions because of cholera epidemic in Antwerpen

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  A public notice anno 6th august 1833 from the staff of the swedish king, who shall introduce restrictions because of cholera epidemic in Antwerpen