Abstract
Abstract During 1996–1997, a new Vibrio vulnificus biotype 3, which caused severe soft tissue infection after fishbone injury, emerged in Israel. We conducted a follow-up study from 1998 through 2005 to assess changing trends, outcomes, and molecular relatedness of the implicated strains. A total of 132 cases (71% confirmed and 29% suspected) of V. vulnificus biotype 3 infection were found. Most infections (95%) were related to percutaneous fish exposure, mainly tilapia (83%) or common carp (13%). Bacteremia, altered immune status, and history of ischemic heart disease were identified as independent risk factors for death, which reached a prevalence of 7.6%. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns of strains from 1998 through 2005 and from 1996 through 1997 showed a high degree of homogeneity and were distinct from those of V. vulnificus biotype 1. Infections caused by V. vulnificus biotype 3 continue affect the public’s health in Israel.
Highlights
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We studied the epidemiology and the trends in illnesses associated with the new V. vulnificus biotype 3 during a 7-year period (1998–2005) following the initial 1996–1997 cluster
Investigation was initiated after passive reporting from primary physicians who treated patients with suspected V. vulnificus infection or when clinical isolates were positively identified as V. vulnificus biotype 3 by the Vibrio Reference Laboratory in the Government Central Laboratories, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem
Summary
LLC is pleased to provide online continuing medical education (CME) for this journal article, allowing clinicians the opportunity to earn CME credit. LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide CME for physicians. All other clinicians completing this activity will be issued a certificate of participation To participate in this journal CME activity: [1] review the learning objectives and author disclosures; [2] study the education content; [3] take the post-test and/or complete the evaluation at http://www.medscape.com/cme/eid; [4] view/print certificate. Disclosure: Beverly Merritt has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Disclosure: Désirée Lie, MD, MSEd, has disclosed no relevant financial relationships. Authors Disclosures: Ronit Zaidenstein, MD; Chantal Sadik, MD; Larisa Lerner, MD; Lea Valinsky, PhD; June Kopelowitz, PhD; Ruth Yishai, PhD; Vered Agmon, PhD; Michele Parsons, MS; Cheryl Bopp, MS; and Miriam Weinberger, MD, have disclosed no relevant financial relationships
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