Massive amounts of seaweed are washing ashore along the beaches of South Florida which could be carrying flesh-eating pathogens. Known as Sargassum, once the seaweed washes ashore, its thick, brown algae carpets beaches, releasing a pungent smell as it decays and entangles humans and animals who step into it. For hotels and resorts, clearing the stuff off beaches can amount to a round-the-clock operation.
But the seaweed also interacts with plastic debris and Vibrio bacteria in the ocean creating what scientists call a ‘pathogen storm’ that can pose risks to beachgoers. The biggest Vibrio bacteria threat is a condition called ‘leaky gut syndrome.’
A recent study conducted by Florida Atlantic University found Sargassum that ends up on beaches tends to harbor high levels of Vibrio bacteria.
Infection with vibriosis can cause a range of symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, chills, ear infections and wound infections. The pathogens have a unique ability to attach to microplastics in the warm ocean water.
Researchers found the Vibrio bacteria possess specific genes, known as ‘zot’ genes, which produce toxins that can damage the intestines resulting in a condition similar to ‘leaky gut syndrome,’ where the bacteria can enter the gut, get stuck in the intestines, and cause infection.
If a fish consumes a piece of plastic contaminated with Vibrio bacteria, it can develop a leaky gut and release waste nutrients that stimulate the growth of Sargassum and other organisms in the surrounding environment.
There have already been cases of Vibrio-related fatalities linked to foodborne illnesses, such as after consuming raw oysters reports NBC Miami.
About a dozen Vibrio species can cause human illness, known as vibriosis. The most common species causing human illness in the US are Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio alginolyticus.
When the bacteria enter the gut and gets stuck in the intestines, this causes infections which can then lead to “leaky gut syndrome”. In addition, if a fish consumes a piece of plastic contaminated with Vibrio bacteria, it can also cause them to develop a leaky gut.
Fish then release waste that help promote the growth of Sargassum in the warm ocean. Although there are different Vibrio bacteria strains, it has also been found in raw oysters and can cause some life-threatening illnesses.
According to The Mirror, bacteria can be consumed through seafood or contact with open wounds, which makes vulnerable people susceptible to exposure. According to the Florida Health Department, vulnerable individuals with conditions such as chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system, should wear proper foot protection to prevent cuts and injury caused by rocks and shells on the beach.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that vibriosis causes 80,000 illnesses each year in the US. Around 52,000 of these illnesses are estimated to be the result of eating contaminated food.
