Managing Vibrio risk

Eurofins Food & Feed Testing laboratories support you in the secure and sustainable preservation of pathogenic Vibrio strains, ensuring the reliability of your analyses, regulatory compliance, controlled microbiological risks.

Key services

  • ISO 21872-1: Reference method for detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae
  • Species-level identification: For further risk assessment and traceability
  • Support for export and compliance: Especially for seafood and shellfish products from high-risk regions
  • Our experts also advise on sampling plans and environmental testing for food businesses handling high-risk seafood

Moderate but variable health impacts

The three main Vibrio species responsible for foodborne illnesses cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe diarrhoea (V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae) to septicemia (V. vulnificus) and even cholera. In severe cases, complications arising from Vibrio infections can be fatal, with a mortality rate of up to 75%.

Various and unusual contamination routes

  • Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 or O139, responsible for cholera, are mainly linked to human-to-human transmission, ingestion of contaminated water, or consumption of food contaminated by water.
  • The main causes of contamination by Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 are crustaceans, shellfish, and other seafood products.
  • With Vibrio vulnificus, foodborne contamination is rare; transmission occurs mainly through skin contact.

Pathogenicity determined in one or two steps

The pathogenic nature of Vibrio may depend on additional factors beyond species detection in 25g:

  • All strains of Vibrio vulnificus are currently considered pathogenic by default.
  • Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains must carry genes coding for one of the two hemolysins (TDH and TRH) produced in the human intestine, which cause intoxication.
  • Vibrio cholerae requires serogroup determination:
    • For non-O1/non-O139 strains, genes coding for cholera toxin are searched for. Note: in 2021, a case without this gene caused a foodborne outbreak in the EU.
    • For O1 or O139 serogroup strains: pathogenicity is confirmed.

Get in touch

For small batches, order our most routine testing from Eurofins Testing Direct.

Would you like to find out more about our testing solutions, access our competence centre services, or do you need tailored analytical or consultancy support?

Contact Eurofins Food Testing UK today to speak to our experts by submitting an enquiry form or calling +44 (0) 845 604 6740.

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