Vibrio bacteria naturally live in certain coastal waters and are present in higher concentrations between May and October when water temperatures are warmer. About a dozen Vibrio species can cause human illness, known as vibriosis. The most common species causing human illness in the United States are Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio alginolyticus.

How do people get vibriosis? Most people become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Certain Vibrio species can also cause a skin infection when an open wound is exposed to saltwater or brackish water. Brackish water is a mixture of fresh and saltwater. It is often found where rivers meet the sea.

How can vibriosis be prevented? To reduce your chance of getting vibriosis, don’t eat raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters. If you have a wound (including from recent surgery, piercing, or tattoo), avoid contact with salt water or brackish water or cover the wound with a waterproof bandage if there’s a possibility it could come into contact with salt water or brackish water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.

Treatment for Vibriosis

Mild cases of vibriosis do not need to be treated and usually, the patient will recover after about three days. It does not cause any severe or long-lasting symptoms after the infection leaves the body. However, patients should drink lots of fluids to keep the body hydrated if the infection causes diarrhea or vomiting (www.cdc.gov).

Vibriosis can also take a more severe form if a rare species called Vibrio vulnificus causes the infection. This species can make patients very ill and it may even require limb amputation. Studies show that the longer patients delay treatment for this infection, the more likely it is to be fatal. Patients should receive treatment immediately to reduce the risk of complications and increase their chance of survival (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

Antibiotics

Usually, the V. vulnificus is the only species that doctors use antibiotics to treat. It may also require aggressive wound treatments. Physicians prescribe different antibiotic therapies in groups to treat the condition. For example, a study tested the efficacy of four different treatments, with individual antibiotics and combinations. First, the researchers administered cefotaxime and ciprofloxacin on their own. The first combination was cefotaxime with ciprofloxacin and the second was cefotaxime with minocycline. The study concluded that ciprofloxacin was more effective on its own and combined with cefotaxime. This combination may be useful to treat V. vulnificus infections (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

Supplements to Fight Bacterial Infections

Supplements are a great way to boost the immune system, so that it is more able to fight off bacterial infections, including vibriosis. They may even help relieve mild symptoms. However, it is always best to consult a doctor before starting a supplement regimen. They are not a proper treatment for any medical condition. Confirm dosage instructions with a doctor and follow all medical instructions.

Echinacea: Historically, people use echinacea leaves, flowers, and roots to make medicine designed to treat several different health conditions. It is very useful in the fight against infections by boosting the immune system so that the body can fight them off. Echinacea fights both viral and bacterial infections, such as Vibriosis. It also contains antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals that cause damage in the body.

Ginger Root: According to research, ginger root is a powerful natural antibiotic. Several studies have shown ginger’s potential to kill different forms of bacteria because of its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Ginger may also help support healthy digestion by relieving nausea, soothing an upset stomach, and reducing vomiting, all of which are gastrointestinal symptoms of vibriosis.

Garlic: As a natural and beneficial supplement, garlic has a long medicinal history. One of its main functions is supporting the immune system. It has antioxidant properties that fight harmful free radicals and promotes efficient immune responses. Garlic is also useful in treating bacterial infections, such as vibriosis. It can reduce the severity of the symptoms and help patients recover from infections faster.

Olive Leaf Extract: A staple in the Mediterranean diet, olive leaf has a number of health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help promote heart, cognitive and immune health. It also has the ability to kill harmful microbes in the body, helping prevent infections and decreasing recovery time.