Abstract

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative, halophilic bacterium found in estuarine environments worldwide that can be isolated from seawater, sediments, fish (including shellfish) and zooplankton. Gastrointestinal infections are frequently associated with consumption of raw or improperly cooked and contaminated shellfish; less commonly, severe wound infections may occur after exposure of open wounds to contaminated seafood and/or seawater. Antimicrobial agents are used in the treatment and control of prolonged and severe V. parahaemolyticus infection, especially when it occurs in infants, the elderly or immunosuppressed patients. The majority of susceptibility patterns from different geographical regions have previously focused on tropical/subtropical areas in Asia, America and parts of southern Europe, however the present study reports from Northern Europe. The study location is Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, UK, a recreational resort situated along the River Humber estuary that receives a large number of visitors over the summer months, with several shellfish harvesting activities and mussel cultivation along the coastal line. This study sought to update the antimicrobial resistance status of recent environmental V. parahaemolyticus isolates from this area.