Emergence of a restricted bioserovar of Vibrio parahaemolyticus as the predominant cause of Vibrio-associated gastroenteritis on the West Coast of the United States and Mexico

Abstract

Examination of 45 human fecal isolates of Vibrio parahaemolyticus revealed the emergence of an unusual bioserovar (O4:K12, urease positive) associated with cases of gastroenteritis which appear to be domestically acquired on the West Coast of the United States and Mexico.