GENUS VIBRIO

 

INTRODUCTION:

         The bacteria in the genus Vibrio are gram-negative, stiff, curved rods and comma-shaped, asporogenous, and non-capsulated. Vibrios can be found in marine ecosystems and surface waters all over the world. Vibrio cholera is the most important member of the genus.

MEDICALLY IMPORTANT SPECIES:

          Three species off vibrio are medically important:

1.    Vibrio cholera
2.    Vibrio parahaemolyticus
3.   Vibrio vulnificus

VIRIO CHOLERA:

        Vibrio cholerae are gram-negative rods that are stiff, curved, and actively motile. Their development can be aided by the use of NaCl. They thrive at pH 6.4–9.6 (optimum 8.2) and temperatures ranging from 16 to 400 degrees Celsius (Optimum 370C).

        Cholera is caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, which has been around for a long time. Symptoms can be minor, moderate, or severe. Large quantities of watery diarrhoea that lasts a few days is the most common symptom. Vomiting and muscular cramps are other possible side effects.

          Cholera, according to the World Health Organization, is a highly contagious disease that causes severe acute watery diarrhoea. After swallowing infected food or water, symptoms can appear anywhere from 12 hours to 5 days later. Cholera affects both children and adults, and if left untreated, illness can kill within hours. Although the bacteria are present in their faeces, most people infected with V. cholera exhibit no symptoms.

           A medical practitioner can treat it, but it requires a lab test or imaging. The severity of the diarrhoea determines the treatment. Antibiotics and self-care methods can usually be used to treat most cases.

VIBRIO PARAHAEMOLYTICUS:

         Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative motile bacterium found worldwide in marine habitats. It is a significant food-borne pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in humans when raw or undercooked seafood is consumed.

           Symptoms of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection usually occur within 24 hours after ingesting the bacteria. Symptoms may include:

·         Watery diarrhea

·         Abdominal cramps

·         Nausea

·         Vomiting

·         Fever

·         Headache

·         Bloody diarrhea

          Antibiotic treatment is normally not required for V. parahaemolyticus gastro, however antibiotic therapy may be required in situations of protracted diarrhoea. The following are some general guidelines for treating gastro:

• Make sure you drink plenty of water. For children and adults with mild to moderate dehydration, an oral rehydration solution is strongly suggested.
• Unless expressly directed by a doctor, do not administer drugs to prevent vomiting or diarrhoea (particularly in youngsters).
• Give hungry youngsters their typical foods, but steer clear of sugary or fatty items.

VIBRIO VULNIFICUS:

          Vibrio vulnificus is a pathogenic bacteria of the genus Vibrio that is gram-negative, motile, and curved rod-shaped (bacillus). It can be found in aquatic habitats. In the summer, when the water warms, Vibrio vulnificus is found in increasing numbers. When a person consumes raw or uncooked shellfish, bacteria enters the digestive tract and quickly multiplies. In immunocompetent people, it can infect wounds and cause local wound infections.

The following are the most prevalent vibrio vulnificus symptoms:

• Cellulitis is a skin infection that affects the dermal and subcutaneous layers.
• Chills and weakness are symptoms of a fever.
• Sepsis.
• Breathing problems or irregular heartbeats.
• Reduced urination is one of the signs of organ failure.
• Platelet count has dropped.
• Pain in the abdomen, nausea, and diarrhoea.
• Lymphangia (swelling of the lymph nodes).

The antibiotic medication used to control the illness varies by case. According to several studies, the most effective and fast-acting treatment is a combination of cephalosporin or ampicillin and an aminoglycoside, as well as adequate surgical surgery. A patient's doctor may opt to open and drain an infected abscess beneath the surface of the skin to relieve fluid or pus buildup and reduce swelling if the lesion is infected.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL:

         To prevent Vibrio illness, don’t eat raw oysters or other shellfish, and stay out of brackish or salt water if you have a wound.