Vibrio parahaemolyticus in a Changing World: A One Health Perspective on Epidemiology, Antimicrobial Resistance, Virulence, and Climate-Driven Risks

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a halophilic, Gram-negative bacterium widely distributed in marine and estuarine environments and recognized as a leading cause of seafood-associated gastroenteritis worldwide. In recent decades, its global emergence has been driven by environmental changes, particularly ocean warming, as well as intensified aquaculture and the globalization of seafood trade. Representative epidemiological data illustrate this burden: V. parahaemolyticus was detected in 3.11% of 79,075 diarrheal samples across 11 Chinese provinces and in 8.1% of 6951 acute-diarrhea samples in eastern China, while Zhejiang Province documented 383 outbreaks involving 4382 cases between 2010 and 2022. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance, and One Health dimensions of V. parahaemolyticus. The pathogen’s ability to cause disease in humans largely depends on key virulence determinants, including thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH), TDH-related hemolysin (TRH), and secretion systems that facilitate host colonization and cytotoxicity. From a One Health perspective, V. parahaemolyticus represents a critical interface among environmental, animal, and human health, and also causes severe diseases in aquaculture, including acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) and translucent postlarval disease (TPD) in shrimp, as well as vibriosis in bivalve mollusks such as oysters, where infection may result in tissue damage and substantial larval and juvenile mortality, with important economic consequences. The increasing emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains further complicates clinical management and highlights the role of environmental reservoirs and aquaculture practices in disseminating resistance. Additionally, climate-driven changes in temperature, salinity, and marine ecosystems are expanding this pathogen’s geographic distribution and altering its seasonal dynamics. Strengthening integrated surveillance systems, improving food safety practices, and promoting interdisciplinary research, including studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying interactions between the epigenome and V. parahaemolyticus, are essential to mitigate the growing risks associated with V. parahaemolyticus. A comprehensive One Health approach is critical to address its evolving impact on global public health and food security.