Vibriosis

Vibriosis or vibrio infection is an infection caused by bacteria of the genus Vibrio. About a dozen species can cause vibriosis in humans, with the most common in multiple countries across the Northern Hemisphere being Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio alginolyticus. Vibrio cholerae can also commonly cause vibriosis, though only those strains that do not produce cholera-specific toxins: non-O 1 or non-O 139. Bacteria that produce these toxins are classified by the World Health Organization as causing cholera, which is a more severe disease. Vibriosis is also an animal disease and can cause harm to wild and farmed fish, among others.

The genus Vibrio includes various species that can cause illness in humans, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus. These bacteria thrive in warm, brackish water and are often found in shellfish such as oysters, clams, and mussels.

Vibriosis can be contracted through:

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

Vibriosis incidence is influenced by environmental factors such as water temperature and salinity. Warmer temperatures, including in relation to global warming, have been linked to increased prevalence of vibriosis as Vibrio bacteria thrive in warmer conditions.

In some regions, vibriosis is referred to as "bath-sore fever" or "bathing fever" due to its association with warm water activities, especially during unusually warm summers. The term highlights the seasonal nature of the infections, which typically occur during the warmer months when people are more likely to engage in water-related activities.

Diagnosis of vibriosis involves:

Treatment of vibriosis depends on the severity and type of infection: