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Gastroenteritis in patients with stool isolates of Vibrio vulnificus
Abstract:
Vibrio vulnificus, a marine Vibrio associated with severe extraintestinal infections, has not been previously implicated as a cause of infectious diarrhea. Three patients were identified with diarrheal illness from whom this organism was the sole pathogen recovered from cultured stool specimens. All three had eaten raw oysters within one week of becoming ill. These patients were all taking medication that reduces gastric acidity, two were heavy drinkers of alcohol, and one had unrecognized colon cancer; these factors may have predisposed to the development of disease. Clinicians should consider that V. vulnificus may be a cause of gastroenteritis in patients who have consumed raw oysters.
Insights
Vibrio vulnificus, a marine bacterium, can cause infectious diarrhea, particularly in individuals consuming raw oysters. This finding expands the known spectrum of Vibrio vulnificus infections, highlighting a new concern for public health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Vibrio vulnificus is a marine bacterium recognized for causing severe extraintestinal infections.
- Historically, V. vulnificus has not been associated with infectious diarrhea.
Observation:
- Three cases of diarrheal illness were identified where V. vulnificus was the only pathogen found in stool cultures.
- All affected individuals reported consuming raw oysters within a week preceding their illness.
Findings:
- This study identifies V. vulnificus as a potential cause of infectious diarrhea.
- Predisposing factors in the patients included reduced gastric acidity, heavy alcohol consumption, and undiagnosed colon cancer.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider V. vulnificus in the differential diagnosis of gastroenteritis, especially in patients with a history of raw oyster consumption.
- This expands the clinical recognition of V. vulnificus infections beyond extraintestinal manifestations.