VIBRIO-VULNIFICUS BIOTYPE-2, PATHOGENIC FOR EELS, IS ALSO AN OPPORTUNISTIC PATHOGEN FOR HUMANS

We report that the eel pathogen Vibrio vulnificus biotype 2 is also an opportunistic pathogen for humans. Results from a detailed comparativ e study using reference strains of both biotypes revealed that the cli nical strain ATCC 33817, originally isolated from a human leg wound an d 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 nega tive for indole and pathogenic for eels and mice, harbors two plasmids of high M(r)s, and belongs to serogroup E, recently proposed as chara cteristic of biotype 2 strains. In consequence, appropriate measures m ust be taken by consumers, particularly by those running a health risk , and by fish farmers, above all when manipulating eels during epizoot ic outbreaks.