Vibrio is a genus of bacteria that naturally lives in marine and coastal environments, such as those abundant in our archipelago. Some of its species can cause serious problems:

• Vibrio cholerae: Causes cholera, an acute diarrhea that can kill by dehydration if not treated quickly. Our country has had multiple outbreaks, especially after floods or natural disasters.
• Vibrio parahaemolyticus: Causes gastroenteritis, usually from eating raw or undercooked seafood.
• Vibrio vulnificus: Highly invasive bacteria that can cause serious infections in wounds exposed to seawater and septicemia after consuming raw seafood, especially oysters. In people with liver disease or compromised immune systems, it can cause fulminant septic shock, with mortality rates exceeding 50% if not treated quickly.

Our warm climate, heavy rainfall, and the high tolerance of these bacteria to high salt concentrations create ideal conditions for Vibrio to multiply. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, there were more than 800 infections caused by Vibrio spp.

At Asiagel, we understand what is at stake. That’s why, thanks to our partnership with Condalab, we offer solutions to local problems, such as Vibrio Chromogenic Agar, designed for laboratories that need clear, fast, and reliable results. Thanks to its selective and differential formulation, our media allow species such as V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus to be identified in less than 24 hours, with a simple visual reading of the color of the colonies. This translates into faster decisions, more effective prevention, and real protection for public health, the food industry, and aquaculture in our country. Because early detection is not a luxury: it is a necessity.