View source for Vibrio parahaemolyticus

== Microbiology ==

* Halophilic (salt-loving) marine pleomorphic Gram-negative rod that causes foodborne diarrhea

== Pathophysiology ==

* Has the capacity to produce an enterotoxin that causes small bowel inflammation
** Two hemolysins, thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) and TGH-related hemolysin (TRH)
* Strains without TDH or TRH are usually mild
* Likely has a different mechanism of action thatn *V. cholera* for causing diarrhea

== Epidemiology ==

* Major cause of acute diarrhea in Japan, but also found in east Asia and southern US
* Ubiquitous in coastal waters, especially in warmer seasons
* Generally acquired by consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, especially raw oysters
* Serotype O3:K6 is an important cause of outbreaks, and is the current pandemic strain

== Clinical Manifestations ==

* Causes acute diarrhea, ranging from mild watery diarrhea to dysentery
* Usually, cramping and abdominal pain with low-grade fever and headache
* Rarely can cause soft tissue infections and bacteremia

== Management ==

* Usually self-limited
* Can use [[doxycycline]] or [[fluoroquinolone]] to shorten the duration of diarrhea

{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Vibrio parahaemolyticus''}}
[[Category:Gram-negative bacilli]]
[[Category:Gastrointestinal infections]]