VibrioNet consortium started in 2010 to investigate the occurrence and
relevance of non-cholera vibrios of human concern in Germany. Vibrios from environmental, seafood
and clinical sources were analyzed with the aim to find connections between different reservoirs or
sources and to identify potential ways of transmission of these pathogens to assess the risk of infections
associated with them. Potentially pathogenic strains mostly belong to the species Vibrio parahaemolyticus,
Vibrio vulnificus and non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae. Investigations on imported seafood and mussels
from primary production areas confirmed the frequent occurrence of these species. Moreover, studies
of German coastal waters and sediments showed the presence and seasonality of these marine bacteria.
So far the incidence of clinical cases of vibriosis in Germany is low. Between 1994 and 2013 thirteen
cases of Vibrio spp. associated wound infections and/or septicaemia have been reported. However, the
high prevalence of vibrios in aquatic environments and aquatic organisms is of concern and demands
continued control of food and surveillance for clinical infections with pathogenic vibrios.