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. 1996 Apr;62(4):1454–1457. doi: 10.1128/aem.62.4.1454-1457.1996

Vibrio vulnificus biotype 2, pathogenic for eels, is also an opportunistic pathogen for humans.

C Amaro 1, E G Biosca 1
PMCID: PMC167917  PMID: 8919812

Abstract

We report that the eel pathogen Vibrio vulnificus biotype 2 is also an opportunistic pathogen for humans. Results from a detailed comparative study using reference strains of both biotypes revealed that the clinical strain ATCC 33817, originally isolated from a human leg wound and classified as V. vulnificus (no reference on its biotype is noted), belongs to biotype 2 of the species. As a biotype 2 strain, it is negative for indole and pathogenic for eels and mice, harbors two plasmids of high MrS, and belongs to serogroup E, recently proposed as characteristic of biotype 2 strains. In consequence, appropriate measures must be taken by consumers, particularly by those running a health risk, and by fish farmers, above all when manipulating eels during epizootic outbreaks.

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Selected References

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