Village Hotel Changi, Singapore
2nd Edition of Public Health World Conference (PHWC) 2026
Speakers - PHWC2025
Maryum Tanveer
- Designation: Jeonbuk National University
- Country: South Korea
- Title: A Quantitative Epidemiological Analysis of the Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Public Health Risks of Seafood borne Vibrio vulnificus in Asia
Abstract
Abstract:
Background:
Vibrio vulnificus is a highly virulent marine bacterium associated with seafood contamination and a significant public health threat. It causes severe infections, including gastroenteritis, necrotizing fasciitis, cellulitis, and septicemia, with mortality rates of 15–50%. Infection occurs through consuming contaminated seafood or exposing open wounds to contaminated seawater. With its extensive coastlines, rich aquatic biodiversity, and high seafood consumption, Asia is exposed to an increased risk of infections. Studies highlight the bacterium's notable prevalence in seafood, its alarming antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the associated infection risks. A systematic evaluation of these factors is vital to guide public health strategies and policy development.
Objectives:
This study aims to integrate data from relevant studies to assess the prevalence and AMR profiles of seafood-borne V. vulnificus in Asia. Furthermore, it seeks to estimate the risk of human infection associated with exposure through seafood consumption.
Methods:
Relevant data from existing research across Asian countries were integrated using systematic review and meta-analysis, following the PRISMA guidelines and a predefined study protocol. This approach facilitated the evaluation of V. vulnificus prevalence in various seafood types and determined its AMR rates. Moderator analyses were conducted based on predefined covariates to account for anticipated heterogeneity among primary studies. The annual probability of V. vulnificus infection associated with raw oyster consumption was estimated using a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model specific to South Korea. Predictive models were developed and analyzed using a Monte Carlo simulation coupled with probability modeling to account for variability and uncertainty in the data. The outputs of these predictive models were subsequently integrated into a beta-Poisson dose-response model to estimate the risk of infection.
Results:
The integrated prevalence analysis revealed an overall seafood contamination rate of V. vulnificus in Asia at 10.47% (95% CI: 6.8–15.8%), with significant regional variations—Japan
exhibiting notably higher rates (47.6%). Among seafood types, oysters were among the most contaminated, with a pathogen prevalence of 11.7%. The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of V. vulnificus indicated low resistance levels to tetracyclines (4.89%), quinolones (1.85%), nitrofurans (0.86%), and phenicols (0.61%). In contrast, resistance was markedly higher for lincosamides (80.32%), polypeptides (64.42%), and glycopeptides (56.14%). The QMRA model specific to South Korea estimated 92 ± 23 annual cases of V. vulnificus infection, with an incidence rate of 0.18 ± 0.04 per 100,000 individuals. A significant seasonal impact was observed in the probability of illness per meal, with summer risk (7.03 ´ 10-7) substantially exceeding winter risk (3.21 ´ 10-8).
Conclusion:
This study underscores the health challenges posed by seafood-borne V. vulnificus in Asia, highlighting its prevalence, AMR patterns, and seasonal risks. Enhanced surveillance, stringent seafood safety measures, and targeted antimicrobial stewardship are crucial to mitigate the region's threat of multidrug-resistant V. vulnificus infections. Such an integrative approach can also be applied to other infectious diseases and public health challenges, supporting evidence- based policy and risk management.
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