Vibrio vulnificus corneal ulcer: rapid resolution of a virulent pathogen.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a corneal ulcer due to Vibrio vulnificus that resolved rapidly with antibiotic therapy alone.


METHODS
Case report and review of literature.


RESULTS
This is the third reported case of corneal ulcer due to V. vulnificus. All followed trauma sustained during oyster shucking. Both prior cases required invasive therapy to achieve a cure. Our case responded rapidly to hourly treatment with ciprofloxacin, Neosporin, and fortified vancomycin.


CONCLUSIONS
V. vulnificus is a virulent pathogen that can infect the cornea after shellfish injury to the eye. Clinical suspicion and early therapy with appropriate antibiotics can lead to an excellent outcome.
Massey
E L
EL
Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Alabama, Mobile 36689, USA.
Weston
B C
BC
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003315:Cornea / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010125:Ostreidae / Q000382:microbiology; D014733:Vibrio / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014735:Vibrio Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D014774:Virulence / Q000187:drug effects; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions