Climate change and reproduction of

It is now a hot period of the year and most people flock to the sea. And this is also the time when doctors noted the rise of a human predatory bacterium called Vibrio.

According to Live Science, Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm, coastal waters and often infect shellfish that are widely consumed as oysters. Scientists warn that climate change increases sea surface temperature and increases sea level, making Vibrio infection more common. As the warm and rising water created a favorable environment for this deadly bacteria to thrive.

Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm, coastal waters.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 70 types of Vibrio, of which 12 are recognized as causing human diseases. But only two of those 12 are the main agents of infection for swimmers and eating shellfish: Vibrio Vulnificus and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus .

Kimberly Reece, marine microbiologist at Virginia Marine Science Institute, said: " Vibrio Vulnificus is the highest cause of death and is often associated with wound infection . " Vibrop Vulnificus is often referred to as a meat-eating bacterium because when it infects the wound, the skin and surrounding tissues will become horribly necrotic (also called "" ).

On the other hand, and although it causes many vibrio infections, it is not as deadly as Vibrio Vulnificu. Normally, people infected with vibrio from shellfish can experience symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea and vomiting), but if they are healthy, they usually recover within a few days.

However, infection is a dangerous condition for people with weak immune systems or a history of illness. People with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill and die from both vibrio infections. According to CDC, Vibrio bacteria kill about 1 in 4 infected people within a day or two.

Born in hot temperature environments

CDC said that 80% of Vibrio infections occur between May and October, when the sea temperature is warmest. As the coastal water temperature rises globally, schools of Vibrio infections also increase.

Craig Baker-Austin, marine microbiologist at the Fisheries and Aquaculture Science Center in the UK, said: "We see more infectious diseases at the beginning of the season and during the season."

Vibrio bacteria under a microscope tube.

Vibrio is one of the pathogens that makes the disease rate increase in the US. According to a recent study in Estuaries and Coasts, from 1996 to 2005, the prevalence of Vibrio in the South East of the United States increased by more than 80%. Similar research has described a clear relationship between increased levels of Vibrio bacteria in the southeast coast of the US with increasing salinity and temperature of seawater. But the researchers found that rising sea levels could have a major effect on increased infection rates. That's because Vibrio bacteria thrive in brackish water, or only slightly salty water, such as marshes, estuaries and other coastal areas. As sea level rises, ocean waters will penetrate deeper into freshwater rivers and streams, creating a favorable habitat for Vibrio bacteria.

Baker-Austin explains, climate change will be more severe and play an important role in the development of Vibrio bacteria. For example, he said after Hurricane Katrina in the United States in 2005, a lot of seawater and freshwater mixed together and people had to wade through it. Therefore, there has been a significant increase in cases of Vibrio infections in the area.

Sea temperatures are also warmer in higher latitudes, meaning that Vibrio's geographic range is expandable. Reece said: "I think the most important thing is that we realize that when the weather heats up, Vibrio infections will occur in areas where we didn't know before."

Advanced understanding is important

Austin-Baker said that although the prevalence of Vibrio is increasing, it is still a rare disease. In 2017, the CDC estimates that in the United States, about 80,000 people are infected with Vibrio each year and about 100 people die from infections. For reference, the number of people infected with influenza virus is 400 times higher than that of Vibrio infection. However, both microbiologists claim it is important to be alert to risks of infection.

"Seawater is teeming with bacteria, viruses and everything," Austin-Baker said. Open wounds, cuts or scratches are all " entry points" for bacteria, so injured people should minimize contact with sea water and seek help at medical facilities. As soon as possible.