Vibriosis

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Vibriosis
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Synonyms Vibrio infection
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, wound infection
Complications Sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis
Onset 24 hours after exposure
Duration 3 to 5 days
Types N/A
Causes Vibrio species (e.g., Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus)
Risks Raw seafood, warm seawater, open wounds
Diagnosis Stool culture, wound culture
Differential diagnosis Gastroenteritis, cellulitis
Prevention Avoiding raw or undercooked seafood, avoiding exposure of open wounds to seawater
Treatment Rehydration therapy, antibiotics
Medication Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin
Prognosis Generally good with treatment, severe cases can be fatal
Frequency Common in coastal areas
Deaths Rare, but higher risk in immunocompromised individuals


Cholera cartoon
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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.

See also[edit | edit source]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD