Pathogenic Vibrio spp. in the marine environment

Human pathogenic Vibrios naturally occur in sea water and represent a particular problem in tropicand subtropic estuaries.They are associated with gastroenteritis, ear and wound infections that are induced by ingestion of or contact with contaminated sea water and fish-catch. The increasing import offish products could cause an increase of infection rates in Germany.Besides,there is a growing concern that abundances of pathogenic Vibrios could increase in German coastal waters asa result of climate change. The possibility of growing health risks by non-Cholera Vibrio-infections was discussed in the framework of a workshop in KoblenzTopics were (I) Vibrio-distribution and monitoring (II) diagnostics, and (III) food-born outbreaks and epidemiology. The workshop served as a platform to exchange information about past and present scientific activities concerning pathogenic Vibrios at German coasts as well as to network with other participants. Problems and gaps of knowledge in terms of prevention,ecology,diagnostics and scientific networks were identified, and possible solutions were worked out. These conference proceedings subsume the main contents and results of the workshop based on oral presentations and discussion inputs during the workshop. © ecomed Medizin, Verlagsgruppe Hüthig Jehle Rehm GmbH, Landsberg.