Vibrio

Background

Microbiology

• Motile, catalase positive, non-lactose-fermenting, oxidase positive Gram-negative bacillus
• Except for Vibrio cholerae, all are halophilic (needs salt to grow) and associated with saltwater exposures
• Includes the following species:
  • Vibrio vulnificus, cause of sepsis and necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections
  • Vibrio parahaemolyticus, cause of infectious diarrhea
  • Vibrio cholerae, cause of cholera

Management

• Typically treated with third-generation cephalosporins