Does Vibrio vulnificus present a health threat to Canadians?

To review recent data on Vibrio vulnificus and its properties, characteristics of disease and epidemiology, sources of infection, population at risk, infectious dose, documented cases of infection and health risk from V vulnificus infection in Canada.

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.

The authors judged articles relevant to the objective of the paper and selected them for a review.

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.

The two reported cases of V vulnificus wound 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.