Hidden risk in the summer; gastroenteritis caused by marine bacteria in tourists

Abstract

Abstract
Every summer, thousands of Paraguayans travel to Brazilian beaches, where recreational contact with seawater and the consumption of fish and shellfish—often raw or undercooked—increases the risk of acquiring gastrointestinal illnesses. Marine bacteria such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Aeromonas spp., and Plesiomonas shigelloides, as well as enterobacteria associated with fecal contamination such as E. coli and Salmonella spp., have been documented in Brazilian coastal areas. High surface water temperatures during the summer favor the proliferation of Vibrio, increasing the environmental microbial load. Other fecal-oral pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium spp., are also present.
Vibrio bacteria persist in drinking or recreational water and can cause acute diarrhea, especially in children and immunocompromised individuals. Thus, contaminated seafood, inadequate sanitation, and informal beach food consumption are factors that facilitate infection. Evidence shows that the Brazilian coast acts as a natural reservoir of enteric pathogens relevant to tourists. Therefore, health education, prioritizing the consumption of well-cooked seafood, choosing reputable restaurants, and seeking early medical attention are key measures to reduce the incidence of acute diarrhea among Paraguayan vacationers.