Detection of pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus in southern Italian shellfish

This study provides data on the prevalence of pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus in shellfish from some coastal areas in southern Italy. The approach involved isolating V. parahaemolyticus strains by cultural and biochemical analysis and molecular assays, which highlighted the presence of TDH-positive V. parahaemolyticus. The results confirmed the need for a specific shellfish inspection plan to detect the presence of Vibrio species in order to eliminate public health risks associated with shellfish consumption.