Densities of Vibrio vulnificus in the intestines of fish from the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Densities of Vibrio vulnificus in the intestinal contents of various finfish, oysters, and crabs and in sediment and waters of the U.S. Gulf Coast were determined by the most probable number procedure. Species were identified by enzyme immunoassay. During the winter, densities of V. vulnificus were low, and the organism was isolated more frequently from sheepshead fish than from sediment and seawater. From April to October, V. vulnificus densities were considerably higher (2 to 5 logs) in estuarine fish than in surrounding water, sediment, or nearby oysters and crustacea. Highest densities were found in the intestinal contents of certain bottom-feeding fish (10(8)/100 g), particularly those that consume mollusks and crustaceans. Densities of V. vulnificus in fish that feed primarily on plankton and other finfish were similar to those in oysters, sediment, and crabs (10(5)/100 g). V. vulnificus was found infrequently in offshore fish. The presence of high densities of V. vulnificus in the intestines of common estuarine fish may have both ecological (growth and transport) and public health (food and wound infections) implications.