American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which type of infections are associated with Vibrio species?

1. Gastrointestinal infections from contaminated water

2. Gastrointestinal infections from contaminated seafood

3. Respiratory infections from infected droplets

4. Skin infections from marine exposure

The correct answer is: Gastrointestinal infections from contaminated seafood

Vibrio species, particularly Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, are primarily associated with gastrointestinal infections resulting from the consumption of contaminated seafood. Vibrio cholerae is well-known for causing cholera, often linked to contaminated drinking water, but it can also be associated with seafood, especially raw or undercooked shellfish. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is another species that causes gastroenteritis primarily through the ingestion of raw or improperly cooked seafood. Infections attributed to Vibrio species typically manifest as gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. The connection to seafood is significant because these bacteria thrive in marine environments and can be ingested when seafood is not handled or cooked properly. Other types of infections, such as those caused by Vibrio vulnificus, can occur through skin exposure to contaminated seawater or through ingestion of contaminated shellfish, but the primary association with gastrointestinal illness points towards seafood as the main vector for Vibrio infections.