[Vibrio vulnificus septicemia transmitted through a wound caused by a crustacea].
BACKGROUND
Vibrio vulnificus proliferates during the summer in salt water where it infects the crustaceans. Expression of its pathogenicity depends on the underlying condition and mode of contamination.


METHODS
A 65 year-old man presented with a Vibrio vulnificus septicaemia of cutaneous origin, transmitted when he cut himself with a crawfish. The severity of the infection was enhanced by severe immuno-depression and haemochromatosis. The infection regressed with appropriate antibiotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Severe V. vulnificus infections are rare. Depending on the underlying condition and mode of contamination, one can distinguish between benign gastro-enteritis, local occasionally devastating infections and usually fatal septicaemia.


CONCLUSIONS
Even the most severe forms of V. vulnificus infections may be cured with early and well adapted anti-infectious treatment.
Renault
P-A
PA
Service de pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier de Pau (64). aldo.renault@chpau.fr
Vargas
C
C
Tachet
A
A
Tattevin
P
P
Najman
A
A
Quilici
M-L
ML
Fournier
J-M
JM
D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D033364:Decapoda; D006801:Humans; D022125:Lacerations / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014735:Vibrio Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D041261:Vibrio vulnificus / Q000472:pathogenicity*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents