Does Vibrio Vulnificus Present a Health Threat to Canadians?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review recent data onVibrio vulnificusand its properties, characteristics of disease and epidemiology, sources of infection, population at risk, infectious dose, documented cases of infection and health risk fromV vulnificusinfection in Canada.DATA SOURCE: A MEDLINE and CURRENT CONTENTS search (1981 through September 1996) using the main heading ‘Vibrio vulnificus’, ‘Vibrio species’, ‘seafood’, etc. Relevant articles were also selected from the literature collection in the authors’ laboratory.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: The authors judged articles relevant to the objective of the paper and selected them for a review.DATA SYNTHESIS:V vulnificus, an important cause of septicemia, wound infections and gastroenteritis, is considered to be one of the most invasive and rapidly lethal human pathogens. Molluscan shellfish concentrate this organism from warm seawater and present the greatest danger to consumers. Infections with this pathogen have been reported throughout the world. Most deaths have resulted from the consumption of raw or undercooked oysters, fewer from contact with seawater. Individuals with underlying disease, particularly those with liver diseases and iron overload, are the most susceptible.CONCLUSION: The two reported cases ofV vulnificuswound infection in Canada might not represent the real situation. Infection with this organism may go unrecognized, unreported or simply may not occur. Medical professionals need to become aware of this pathogen and the dire consequences of infection in individuals with underlying disease.

Vibrio vulnificus Septicemia after Handling Tilapia Species Fish: A Canadian Case Report and Review

“…Vibrio vulnificus septicemia after handling Tilapia species fish: A Canadian case report and review Donald C Vinh MD 1,3 , Samira Mubareka MD 1,3 , Bunmi Fatoye MD 2 , Pierre Plourde MD 2,3,4 , Pamela Orr MD 1,2,3 international normalized ratio 5.9 and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time 48.8 s). Gram stain of fluid aspirated from bullae revealed heavy (4+) polymorphonuclear leukocytes but no organisms.…”

Vibrios from the Norwegian marine environment: Characterization of associated antibiotic resistance and virulence genes

“…The genus includes several fish and human pathogenic species. Among these human pathogens, V. cholerae , V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus have been extensively studied (Baker‐Austin et al., 2018; Stavric & Buchanan, 1997).…”