Vibriosis is a bacterial infection sparked by two different modes of transmission.
Eating raw or undercooked shellfish or when an open wound comes into contact with the bacteria.
There are two types of illnesses that theVibriobacteria can cause, vibriosis andcholera.
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Most vibriosis infections are triggered by two specific types ofVibriobacteria, Vibrio vulnificus orVibrio parahaemolyticus.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment for vibriosis.
Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food.
Vibriosis cases are usually mild but can become severe in people with weakened immune systems.
The symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling of the wound.
Warning
If the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can cause a life-threatening illness.
Causes
Vibriosis is usually brought on by eating raw or undercooked shellfish that are contaminated with theVibriobacteria.
But it can also be triggered by eating shellfish that were not handled or refrigerated correctly.
It is typically seen in oysters but can be found in other bivalve shellfish like clams and mussels.
Vibriosis skin infections are due to an open wound or cut on the body where theVibriobacteria can enter.
People with underlying medical conditions orweakened immune systemsare much more likely to get seriously ill from vibriosis.
Is It Safe to Eat Shellfish?
Avoid eating undercooked or raw shellfish if you have a weakened immune system or an underlying medical condition.
You are more likely to become seriously ill from a vibriosis infection.
Diagnosis
To diagnose vibriosis, a healthcare provider will ask about recent medical history and diet.
Any recent consumption of shellfish or exposure to salt water is important to disclose.
Intestinal symptoms, likediarrhea, are also clues that point to a vibriosis infection.
To confirm the diagnosis a healthcare provider can have astool culturesent to test for the bacteria.
If a healthcare provider suspects that vibriosis has spread to the blood, then ablood culturecan be ordered.
Treatment
Most cases of vibriosis are mild and can be treated at home.
Home treatment for intestinal illness should focus ondrinking plenty of waterto replace fluids lost through diarrhea andvomiting.
Wound infections can result incellulitisand should be treated by a healthcare provider.
However, antibiotics are sometimes used in serious vibriosis cases.
Do not eat shellfish that doesn’t open up after cooking.
It’s also crucial to ensure that food does not touch uncooked shellfish.
This can causecross-contaminationresulting in illness.
Avoid coming in contact with brackish or saltwater to prevent vibriosis skin infections.
This is particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems.
Anysign of infectionshould be treated by a healthcare provider.
Prognosis
Most people who get a vibriosis infection recover and have a positive prognosis.
The CDC estimates that of the 80,000 vibriosis infections each year, it causes only approximately 100 deaths.
Summary
Vibriosis is a bacterial infection that can cause intestinal upset or skin infection.
When vibriosis causes a food-borne illness the symptoms are typically watery diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
In skin infections, the wound can be red, painful, and swollen.
The bacteria can cause intestinal illness or a skin infection.
Be aware that you are at risk of getting sick if you eat raw or undercooked shellfish like oysters.
The intestinal symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
People who get a skin infection may find their wound red, painful, and swollen.
A skin infection is less common than an intestinal illness.
However, a skin infection can become much more serious if it causes a bloodstream infection.
For most people with the food-borne illness, they can recover at home.
In those with the skin infection, they should talk to their healthcare provider prompt treatment.
Vibriosis is a bacterial infection that has no specific cure.
Antibiotics can be used to help severe cases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About vibrio infection.
Bell A, Bott M.Vibriosis: what you and your patients need to know.Dela J Public Health.
2021;7(1):14-21. doi:10.32481/djph.2021.001.005
Washington State Department of Health.Vibriosis in shellfish.
Virginia Department of Health.Vibriosis (non-cholera).
