Isolation of mucoid Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains

Mucoid strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were isolated from the stools of two asymptomatic carriers and a patient with gastroenteritis. The strains demonstrated biochemical reactions and antibiotic susceptibility typical of nonmucoid strains of V. parahaemolyticus isolated locally. The slime substance was typed by coagglutination and was antigenically similar to the capsular antigen of the same strain. Three different serotypes (O10:K24, O5:K17, and O5:K15) were involved.