Infections with Vibrio vulnificus.
V. vulnificus is an uncommon cause of soft tissue infection and primary septicemia, especially in patients with hepatic disease or who patients who are immunocompromised. The mortality of infection in these patients is extremely high despite timely antibiotic therapy. It is important to consider the possibility of infection with V. vulnificus in patients who present with high fever and rapidly progressive sepsis and have a history of consumption of raw seafood (especially oysters) or exposure of open wounds in a marine environment. Public education regarding the risk of raw seafood consumption is essential to preventing infection with this virulent pathogen.
Borenstein
Michael
M
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1611 NW 12 Avenue, Rosenstiel Building, 2nd Floor, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
Kerdel
Francisco
F
D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014735:Vibrio Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D041261:Vibrio vulnificus