alginolyticus

Alginolyticus refers to the bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus, a Gram-negative, curved rod belonging to the family Vibrionaceae. It is a halophilic marine organism commonly isolated from warm coastal seawater, sediments, and seafood. Under the microscope it is motile, typically with polar flagella, and it is oxidase-positive, a characteristic used in laboratory identification. The species is closely associated with environments where salinity is present, and it can be a pathogen of fish as well as an opportunistic human pathogen.

Ecology and significance: Vibrio alginolyticus tolerates saline conditions and is frequently detected in estuarine and coastal ecosystems. It is known to cause disease in marine aquaculture, contributing to morbidity in fish and shellfish. In humans, infections are relatively uncommon but can occur, especially after exposure to seawater or handling of contaminated seafood. It may cause wound infections, otitis externa, and, in rare cases, septicemia, particularly in individuals with chronic illness or compromised immune systems. Gastroenteritis can result from ingestion of contaminated seafood, though other Vibrio species are more commonly implicated in diarrhea.

Diagnosis and treatment: Identification relies on culture of clinical or environmental samples, followed by biochemical and molecular methods to confirm species. Antibiotic susceptibility testing is advised because resistance patterns vary. When treatment is required, doxycycline or a fluoroquinolone are commonly used options, guided by susceptibility results. Wound care and avoidance of seawater exposure are important preventive measures, and proper cooking of seafood reduces the risk of gastroenteritis.