What agents of acute diarrhea are most likely to be acquired from ingestion of raw oysters?
- Oysters and other filter-feeding organisms, whether farmed or harvested from natural environments, are able to harbor and concentrate enteric pathogens.
- Both viral and bacterial enteric infections may be acquired by the ingestion of raw oysters.
- Common pathogens of concern include Vibrio species, in particular Vibrio parahaemolyticus , which causes a diarrheal illness.
- Norovirus outbreaks have also been attributed to raw oyster consumption.
- Vibrio vulnificus infection has been associated with these ingestions but is more associated with causing septicemia and bullous necrotizing fasciitis in immunocompromised patients and those with end-stage liver disease or cirrhosis.
