2003. Comparison of Confirmed and Probable Cases of Vibriosis, Tennessee, 2017–2021

Abstract

Abstract Background Vibriosis causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the United States each year. Commonly reported exposures include consuming raw or undercooked seafood and contact with seawater. To facilitate case ascertainment and better understand the epidemiology of vibriosis, CDC requested inclusion of positive culture-independent diagnostic testing (CIDT) cases to the 2017 case definition. We reviewed confirmed (culture positive) and probable (CIDT positive) cases in Tennessee (TN) from 2017-2021. Methods Vibrio reports from clinical and state public health laboratories were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and exposure data were collected through routine case interviews using The Cholera and Other Vibrio Illness Surveillance (COVIS) Report. Confirmed and probable cases were described and compared using Epi Info 7. Results A total of 164 Vibrio cases were reported from 44 counties across TN. In total, 135 (82%) cases were interviewed including 72 (53%) confirmed cases (all sources) and 63 (47%) probable cases. Half of cases from each case status were 40-69 years old. Twenty-four percent of probable cases versus 7% of confirmed cases were under 10 years old. Of confirmed cases, 64% were males compared to 51% of probable cases. Most cases (90% of confirmed and 75% of probable cases) were among non-Hispanic white population. Almost all probable cases (97%) reported gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Among confirmed cases, 70% reported non-GI symptoms such as cellulitis. Thirty three percent of both confirmed and probable cases were hospitalized. Confirmed cases were more likely to report travel out of state (OR 5.1, p-value < 0.0001) and exposure to seawater (OR 3.4, p-value 0.002) compared to probable cases. When comparing confirmed cases from stool specimens (27 cases) to probable cases, travel out of state remained significant (OR 4.8, p-value 0.0001) as well as seafood consumption (OR 6.8, p-value 0.0008). Conclusion Demographic and clinical features differed between confirmed and probable cases. Out of state travel, seafood consumption, and exposure to seawater were reported more often by confirmed cases. Reflex culturing is recommended to better facilitate case ascertainment and understand the epidemiology of vibriosis. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.