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. 2017 May;145(7):1491-1499.
doi: 10.1017/S0950268817000140. Epub 2017 Feb 16.

Vibrio alginolyticus infections in the USA, 1988-2012

K M Jacobs Slifka  1 , A E Newton  2 , B E Mahon  2
Affiliations

Vibrio alginolyticus infections in the USA, 1988-2012

K M Jacobs Slifka et al. Epidemiol Infect. 2017 May.

Abstract

Vibrio alginolyticus causes soft tissue and bloodstream infection; little systematically collected clinical and epidemiological information is available. In the USA, V. alginolyticus infections are reported to the Cholera and Other Vibrio Illness Surveillance system. Using data from 1988 to 2012, we categorised infections using specimen source and exposure history, analysed case characteristics, and calculated incidence rates using US Census Bureau data. Most (96%) of the 1331 V. alginolyticus infections were from coastal states. Infections of the skin and ear were most frequent (87%); ear infections occurred more commonly in children, lower extremity infections more commonly in older adults. Most (86%) infections involved water activity. Reported incidence of infections increased 12-fold over the study period, although the extent of diagnostic or surveillance bias is unclear. Prevention efforts should target waterborne transmission in coastal areas and provider education to promote more rapid diagnosis and prevent complications.

Keywords: Vibrio alginolyticus; ear infection; skin and soft tissue infection; surveillance.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Annual incidence of Vibrio alginolyticus infections per 100 000 population nationally (1996–2012) and by region (2007–2012), USA.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Percentage of Vibrio alginolyticus infections by age category for skin-related sites, USA, 1988–2012.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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