Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 33-21: Infections Caused by Other Vibrio Species + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Vibrios other than Vibrio cholerae that cause human disease are V parahaemolyticus, V vulnificus, and V alginolyticus Infection is acquired by exposure to organisms in raw or undercooked crustaceans or shellfish and warm (> 20°C) ocean waters and estuaries Oysters are implicated in up to 90% of food-related cases + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ V cholerae Causes voluminous diarrhea, rapid development of marked dehydration, and death if untreated Rehydration and antimicrobial therapy are life-saving V parahaemolyticus Causes acute watery diarrhea with fever, typically within 24 h after ingestion of contaminated shellfish Disease is self-limited Antimicrobial therapy usually not necessary V vulnificus and V alginolyticus Neither cause diarrhea They do, however, cause cellulitis and primary bacteremia after ingestion of contaminated shellfish or exposure to seawater Cellulitis with or without sepsis may occur with Bulla formation Necrosis Extensive soft tissue destruction, at times requiring débridement and amputation Infection can progress rapidly and be severe in immunocompromised individuals, especially those with cirrhosis, with death rates of 50% + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Culture + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Tetracycline, 500 mg orally four times a day for 7–10 days, is the drug of choice for suspected or documented primary bacteremia or cellulitis caused by Vibrio species Vibrio cholerae is also susceptible to Doxycycline, 100 mg twice daily orally for 7–10 days Fluoroquinolones and TMP-SMZ V vulnificus may also be susceptible to Penicillin Ampicillin Cephalosporins Chloramphenicol Aminoglycosides Fluoroquinolones V parahaemolyticus and V alginolyticus Resistant to penicillin and ampicillin Otherwise, susceptibilities are similar to V vulnificus