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Extraintestinal infections caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus in a Danish county, 1987-1992
M K Hornstrup1, B Gahrn-Hansen
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Abstract:
Over a 6-year period we detected 30 clinical infections caused by halophilic vibrios in a restricted geographical area. Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections were found in 13 patients (3 with wound infections, 10 with ear infections), and Vibrio alginolyticus infections in 17 patients, all of whom had ear infections. From 1987 to 1990, infections caused by marine vibrios were found in at most 4 cases annually, in 1992 in 6 instances, whereas in a 5-month period in 1991 we experienced 15 cases of extra-intestinal infections. 15 of the infections found in 1991 and 1992 were ear infections, 10 of which occurred shortly after exposure to Danish coastal seawater. The disease was mild in most of the patients and all recovered. Most of the patients showed predisposing conditions such as chronic otitis media, perforation of the tympanic membrane or ulcus cruris. The organisms were isolated in minor numbers from coastal water samples from 5 of 12 bathing areas around Funen at the end of July, but not at the end of November. This study indicates that the halophilic marine vibrios may be pathogenic in Scandinavian areas in persons exposed to seawater.
Insights
Halophilic marine vibrios cause clinical infections, primarily ear infections, in coastal areas. These bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, are linked to seawater exposure and predisposing conditions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Halophilic vibrios are marine bacteria that can cause infections in humans.
- Previous studies have primarily focused on vibrio infections in warmer climates.
- The prevalence and pathogenicity of marine vibrios in Scandinavian coastal waters were not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and clinical manifestations of halophilic vibrio infections in a specific geographical area.
- To identify the species of halophilic vibrios causing infections.
- To explore the association between seawater exposure and vibrio infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical infections over a 6-year period.
- Identification of bacterial species (Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus) from patient samples.
- Correlation of infection cases with geographical location, seawater exposure, and patient predisposing conditions.
- Environmental sampling of coastal waters to detect vibrio presence.
Main Results:
- Thirty clinical infections caused by halophilic vibrios were detected, including wound and ear infections.
- Vibrio alginolyticus was the most common species, primarily causing ear infections.
- A significant increase in infections was observed, with many cases linked to exposure to Danish coastal seawater.
- Predisposing conditions like chronic otitis media and perforated tympanic membranes were common among infected patients.
- Halophilic vibrios were detected in coastal waters during warmer months but not in colder months.
Conclusions:
- Halophilic marine vibrios, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, are pathogenic in Scandinavian coastal areas.
- Exposure to coastal seawater is a significant risk factor for these infections, particularly ear infections.
- Individuals with pre-existing ear conditions are more susceptible to vibrio infections.
- These findings highlight the importance of public health awareness regarding marine-associated infections in recreational waters.