Halophilic Vibrio infections: a review

Abstract

Halophilic vibrios are gram-negative curved bacilli that requires high concentrations of salt for survival. They are usually found in marine environments and have a worldwide distribution. Infections caused by these organisms are usually associated with ingestion of raw shell fish or exposure of wounds to sea water. The clinical presentation and severity of this infections is wide ranging. The most common presentation is self-limiting gastroenteritis, but soft tissue infections and septicemia do occur and their morbidity and mortality is high specially in patients with liver disease. Early detection and initiation of treatment with tetracycline is of vital importance in soft tissue infections and septicemia since the progression of the infection may be extremely fast.