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Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Gastrointestinal symptoms are similar to enterotoxigenic E. coli.
Characteristics
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus: Comma-shaped bacilli with a single polar flagellum, providing motility.
- Found in saltwater: Commonly found in coastal waters, particularly in warmer regions, and is a frequent contaminant of seafood.
- Facultative anaerobes: Can survive in both oxygen-rich and low-oxygen environments.
- Oxidase positive: Unlike Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus produces the enzyme oxidase, aiding in its identification.
Source
- Saltwater environments: The bacterium thrives in marine environments and is often associated with raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish like oysters, clams, and crabs.
🩺 Clinical Features
- Headache and fever: Often present in the early stages of infection.
- Abdominal cramps: Common symptom, accompanied by gastrointestinal distress.
- Gastroenteritis: Explosive watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and sometimes bloody stools, indicating severe enterocolitis.
- Incubation period: Typically 20 hours after consumption of contaminated seafood before the onset of gastroenteritis.
💊 Management
- Supportive care: The illness is usually self-limiting and resolves within 4–7 days. Treatment primarily involves maintaining hydration and electrolyte balance.
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