Vibrio vulnificus, a halophilic (salt-tolerant) species of microorganism whose strains are similar to V. parahaemolyticus but differ in that they can ferment lactose. Infection by eating raw seafood causes septicemia, gastroenteritis, and cellulitis, and may be especially severe or even fatal in those with preexisting hepatic disease. Wound infection may occur following exposure to seawater or from injury when handling crabs.
