Vibrio Vulnificus Infection

• 27 Sep 2023

Source: DTE

Why in News?

In recent years, India has been grappling with a growing concern related to Vibrio vulnificus infections, a deadly bacteria found in marine environments.

• Despite its potential threat, this pathogen remains largely underreported in India.

What is Vibrio Vulnificus?

• About:
  • Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that can cause severe infections in humans. It can result from eating undercooked seafood, especially oysters, which may contain the bacteria.
• Carriers:
  • It is typically contracted through two main routes: consuming infected raw shellfish and exposing wounds to contaminated waters.
    • It spreads through marine organisms like fish like eel, derbio, tilapia, trout, and shrimp.
    • The first case in marine organisms was documented in Japanese eel in 1975. The first case of V vulnificus in humans was recorded in 1976 in the US.
      • The pathogen arrived in Spain through imported eels in 1985.
    • In 2018, India documented an outbreak of V vulnificus in a tilapia farm in Kerala.
      • Originally from Africa and West Asia, tilapia is one of the most traded food fish globally.
• Symptoms:
  • Symptoms of V. vulnificus infection include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and, in severe cases, flesh-eating diseases that can be fatal within days.
• Environmental Factors Favoring V. vulnificus in India:
  • This bacterium thrives in warm waters above 20°C. India's average sea surface temperature of 28°C provides a perfect habitat.
    • Climate change, with increased rainfall and reduced coastal salinity, further supports the growth of V. vulnificus.
• Consequences:
  • V. vulnificus infections have a high mortality rate, ranging from 15% to 50%, even with prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Vulnerable populations, such as those with chronic liver disease, cancer, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes, are at increased risk.
  • Infections can lead to limb amputations ( surgical removal of part of the body, such as an arm or leg), making them a significant health concern.
• The Global Spread: 
• Measures to Mitigate V. vulnificus Risk:
  • Healthcare Awareness: Ensure that healthcare professionals in coastal areas are aware of V. vulnificus risks and test patients with relevant symptoms.
  • Predictive Tools: Researchers are developing risk-warning tools using satellite-based sensors to monitor sea surface temperature and phytoplankton levels, which are associated with increased V. vulnificus infections.
  • Learning from Seasonal Consumption in Japan: In Japan, bivalves like oysters and mussels are consumed only in winter, avoiding the summer when bacteria levels are high. This practice significantly reduces infection risk.