Background : Vibrio species may be classified as halophilic or nonhalophilic on the basis of their requirement of NaCl for optimal growth. Recently, attention has been focused on the halophilic vibrios and Vibrio cholerae non-O1/O139 causing extraintestinal infections such as septicemia. The aim of this study is to elucidate the isolation rate and clinical manifestations of Vibrio species isolated from clinical specimens between 1996 and 2000 at Wonju Christian Hospital.

Methods : Stool specimens were inoculated onto the thiosulfate-citrate-bile salt-sucrose media, blood cultures were performed by automated blood culture systems with commercial bottles, and the others were cultured according to the routine procedures.

Results : The isolation rate of Vibrio in decreasing order were: V. parahaemolyticus; 87%(62/71), V. alginolyticus; 6%(4/71), V. cholerae non-O1; 4%(3/71), and V. vulnificus; 3%(2/71). The proportions of gastroenteritis and septicemia by Vibrio species were 89% and 7%, respectively. Patients with gastroenteritis recovered without special problem, but the mortality of septicemia was 80%.

Conclusions : Ninety-seven percentage of clinical isolates of Vibrio species were halophilic vibrios, and the mortality of Vibrio septicemia was as high as 80%. (Korean J Clin Microbiol 2001;4:28-32)