Antibodies that react with the capsular polysaccharide of Vibrio vulnificus are detectable in infected patients, and in persons without known exposure to the organism

In serious infections with Vibrio vulnificus, IgG antibodies to the capsular polysaccharide of the infecting strain were demonstrable in patient serum. It was nor possible to show that persons with probable increased exposure to V. vulnificus (shell fish industry workers) had increased levels of antibodies to any one of three capsular types tested when compared with persons who would be expected to have had minimal exposure to the organism (Seventh Day Adventists). Antibodies that reacted with the capsular polysaccharides were demonstrable in persons without a history of V. vulnificus infection, suggesting that cross-reacting antibodies ave present in the general population.