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Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis in Maryland: laboratory aspects
Abstract:
Vibrio parahaemolyticus was the etiological agent in three food-related epidemics of gastroenteritis in Maryland, during August 1971. These outbreaks involved crab food products. Fifteen isolates of V. parahaemolyticus were made which included 11 from patients and 4 from foods. Serotype 04:K11 was the cause of the outbreaks. It was recovered from patients in each outbreak and gave a positive Kanagawa reaction, an indication of enteropathogenicity. Other patient isolates included types 03:K30, 03:K33, and an untypable isolate, all of which were Kanagawa negative. Food isolates included serotypes 03:K30, 02:K28, and two untypable isolates, all of which were Kanagawa negative. The outbreaks reported in this paper constitute the first confirmed foodborne epidemics due to V. parahaemolyticus in the United States. Methods for the isolation and identification of V. parahaemolyticus are presented, including a procedure for the simple conversion of conventional laboratory media into suitable culture media for this halophilic organism.
Insights
Three 1971 Maryland foodborne gastroenteritis outbreaks were caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, specifically serotype 04:K11. This study details the first confirmed U.S. foodborne Vibrio parahaemolyticus epidemics and isolation methods.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a significant cause of seafood-associated gastroenteritis.
- Foodborne illness outbreaks necessitate identification of etiological agents and sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first confirmed foodborne epidemics caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the United States.
- To identify the specific serotype responsible for the outbreaks and present isolation methods.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from patient and food samples.
- Serotyping of isolates to determine specific antigen types (O and K antigens).
- Kanagawa test to assess enteropathogenicity of isolates.
Main Results:
- Three gastroenteritis outbreaks in Maryland during August 1971 were linked to crab products.
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus serotype 04:K11 was identified as the causative agent in all outbreaks.
- The 04:K11 isolate tested positive for the Kanagawa reaction, indicating enteropathogenicity.
Conclusions:
- Serotype 04:K11 Vibrio parahaemolyticus caused the 1971 Maryland foodborne gastroenteritis outbreaks.
- This study confirmed the first foodborne epidemics due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the U.S.
- Effective methods for isolating and identifying this halophilic organism were presented.