Vibrio vulnificus and Its Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Vibrios are the natural inhabitants of aquatic ecosystems and cause life threatening diseases such as cholera. Halophilic, Non cholera vibrios like Vibrio vulnificus are autochthonous to the estuaries. The bacterial blood poisoning (septicaemia), inflammation of the lining of the intestine (gastroenteritis), and wound infections are known illnesses that are caused mainly by V. vulnificus. This bacterium is a pathogen of opportunity, specifically affecting immunocompromised and aged individuals when infected. In a situation, where antimicrobial resistance itself becomes a threat to the humankind, opportunistic bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus acquiring resistance to the antibiotics to which they are treated is an alarming situation. Meticulous antimicrobial profiling is necessary to reduce mortality because experimenting with different antibiotics may lead to permanent tangible and intangible losses. This chapter dealt on Vibrio vulnificus characteristics as pathogen in seafood and aquaculture, development of antibiotic resistance as reported, reason for antibiotic resistance, prevention methods and alternate treatment methods.