Cholera-like illness due to halophilic vibrio spp. in the Caribbean - abstract

Since the introduction of V.cholerae 01 (E1 tor biotype) toxigenic strain in Peru in 1991, all mainland countries of South, Central and North America, with the exception of Uruguay, have had outbreaks of cholera. The Caribbean Islands have intensified their surveillance, strengthened laboratory capabilites and health education for prevention and control of diarrhoeal diseases as well as cholera. Vibrio cholerae 01 (E1 tor biotype) causes severe dehydrating watery diarrhoea as well as asymptomatic or mild illness which is indistinguishable from illness caused by other halophilic Vibrio spp. Ten (10) cases of diarrhoeal illness with dehydration (mild to severe) were seen between

Public health aspects of halophilic vibrios in Jamaica

The occurrence of bacteria in oysters (Crassotrea rhizophorae) and seawater from Jamaican commercial oyster-culture sites was determined, using standard microbiological methods. Vibrio vulnificus, V. cholerae (non-01, non-toxigenic), V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus were identified in seawater samples, and the latter two mildly pathogenic species in oysters. The pathogenicity of halophilic vibrios is reviewed. The results suggest that correct selection of oyster-culture sites may significantly reduce the public health hazards associated with shellfish, and that more and precise information is required on the geographical and seasonal distribution of infection risk (AU)