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Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a curved, rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium found in saltwater. V. parahaemolyticus is oxidase positive, facultatively aerobic, and does not form spores. Like other member of the genus Vibrio, this species is motile, with a single, polar flagella.
Pathogenesis
Infection is via fecal-oral contamination: ingestion of bacteria in contaminated seafood can cause acute gastroenteritis. The disease mechanism of V. parahaemolyticus infections has not been fully elucidated.
Epidemiology
Outbreaks tend to be concentrated along coastal regions during the summer and early fall when higher water temperatures favor higher levels of bacteria. Seafood most often implicated includes squid, mackerel, tuna, sardines, crab, shrimp, and bivalves like oysters and clams. The incubation period of ~24 hours is followed by explosive, watery diarrhea accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever. Vibrio parahaemolyticus symptoms typically resolve with-in 72 hours, but can persist for up to 10 days in immune-compromised individuals. As the vast majority of cases of V. parahaemolyticus food poisoning are self-limiting, treatment is not typically necessary. In severe cases, fluid and electrolyte replacement is indicated.
Additionally, swimming in affected areas can lead to infections of the eyes or ears.
References
External links
"Vibrio parahaemolyticus"