Does Vibrio vulnificus present a health threat to Canadians?

Vibrios from the Norwegian marine environment: Characterization of associated antibiotic resistance and virulence genes

A total of 116 Vibrio isolates comprising V. alginolyticus (n = 53), V. metschnikovii (n = 38), V. anguillarum (n = 21), V. antiquarius (n = 2), and V. fujianensis (n = 2) were obtained from seawater, fish, or bivalve molluscs from temperate Oceanic and Polar Oceanic area around Norway. Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed resistance or reduced susceptibility to ampicillin (74%), oxolinic acid (33%), imipenem (21%), aztreonam (19%), and tobramycin (17%). Whole-genome sequence analysis of eighteen drug-resistant isolates revealed the presence of genes like β-lactamases, chloramphenicol-acetyltransferases, and genes conferring tetracycline and quinolone resistance. The strains also carried virulence genes like hlyA, tlh, rtxA to D and aceA, E and F. The genes for cholerae toxin (ctx), thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh), or zonula occludens toxin (zot) were not detected in any of the isolates. The present study shows low prevalence of multidrug resistance and absence of virulence genes of high global concern among environmental vibrios in Norway. However, in the light of climate change, and projected rising sea surface temperatures, even in the cold temperate areas, there is a need for frequent monitoring of resistance and virulence in vibrios to be prepared for future public health challenges.

Oceans and human health—navigating changes on Canada’s coasts

Ocean conditions can affect human health in a variety of ways that are often overlooked and unappreciated. Oceans adjacent to Canada are affected by many anthropogenic stressors, with implications for human health and well-being. Climate change further escalates these pressures and can expose coastal populations to unique health hazards and distressing conditions. However, current research efforts, education or training curriculums, and policies in Canada critically lack explicit consideration of these ocean–public health linkages. The objective of this paper is to present multiple disciplinary perspectives from academics and health practitioners to inform the development of future directions for research, capacity development, and policy and practice at the interface of oceans and human health in Canada. We synthesize major ocean and human health linkages in Canada, and identify climate-sensitive drivers of change, drawing attention to unique considerations in Canada. To support effective, sustained, and equitable collaborations at the nexus of oceans and human health, we recommend the need for progress in three critical areas: ( i) holistic worldviews and perspectives, ( ii) capacity development, and ( iii) structural supports. Canada can play a key role in supporting the global community in addressing the health challenges of climate and ocean changes.

Vibrio vulnificus Septicemia After Handling Tilapia Species Fish: A Canadian Case Report and Review

BACKGROUND

Vibrio vulnificus can cause a necrotizing soft tissue infection or primary septicemia; these infections are collectively known as vibriosis. This bacterium is commonly found within molluscan shellfish. Primary septicemia is often fatal, principally affecting persons with chronic liver disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

A fatal case of V vulnificus sepsis that developed in a patient with chronic hepatitis B and chronic renal failure is reported. Diagnosis was made by isolation of the pathogen by blood culture. Upon further questioning, the patient's family recounted that the patient had handled and ingested Tilapia species fish in the hours preceding the patient's presentation. Despite treatment with doxycycline and cefotaxime, in conjunction with supportive care in the intensive care unit, the patient died on day 7 from multiple organ dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

The present case highlights the need to consider V vulnificus in the microbiological differential diagnosis when a person presents with sepsis and bullous cutaneous lesions. The importance of educating patients with liver disease (and certain other chronic diseases) about the need to be cautious when handling or consuming seafood is underscored.