Vibrio alginolyticusinfections in the USA, 1988–2012

Abstract

SUMMARYVibrio alginolyticuscauses soft tissue and bloodstream infection; little systematically collected clinical and epidemiological information is available. In the USA,V. alginolyticusinfections are reported to the Cholera and OtherVibrioIllness 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 1331V. alginolyticusinfections 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.