Vibrio Vulnificus | Medtick
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Vibrio Vulnificus

What is it?

A bacterial infection from eating contaminated seafood (oysters, clams and crabs) or if an open wound is exposed to warm sea water.

Countries where outbreaks have occurred (though can occur anywhere):

Europe & Russia

  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Germany
  • Norway (Svalbard)
  • Sweden

Diagnosis tests

  • Blood culture
  • PCR tests
  • Stool culture
  • Wound culture
  • Sepsis tests
    • Blood counts
    • Kidney tests
    • Liver function tests
  • Ultra sound/CT scans

Cause

  • Bacteria: V vulnificus
  • Biotype 1 of V vulnificus is the most frequently encountered and accounts for the majority of human infections.
    • This strain thrives in marine and brackish environments and is linked to severe outcomes such as sepsis and wound infections following exposure.
  • Biotype 2 is primarily associated with aquaculture, especially eel farming, and only occasionally affects humans.
    • This biotype is more commonly seen in East Asia and Western Europe.
  • Biotype 3 represents a genetic blend of the other two and, although capable of causing serious soft-tissue infections, is far less common in circulation.

Medscape

Symptoms

If eaten seafood:

  • Widespread blood filled blisters?
  • Abdominal pain and/or are constant violently vomiting or vomiting longer than two days (one day if a child)?
  • Diarrhoea?
  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats?
  • Balance and dizziness problem?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Medical Emergency Condition

And/or do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

Temperature for cooking crab or crayfish

  • The FDA advises cooking crab or crayfish to 145 F (or 63 C). That means that the internal temperature of the crab/crayfish should reach 145 F (63 C).
  • The meat should be opaque and pearly.

FDA

  • Always the above meats thoroughly and one should avoid eating them raw including from frozen.
  • Travelers should be advised to avoid traditional meals containing undercooked freshwater crustaceans.

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

 

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Vibrio Vulnificus in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • Medical News Today

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  • Medscape (Professional level)

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  • NHS

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  • WebMD

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  • Cleveland Clinic

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  • Mayo Clinic

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  • Drugs.com

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  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

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  • Verywell Health

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  • Nathnac

    Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.

  • DR Axe

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  • Better health - NHS

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    There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let’s do this!

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