Necrotizing fasciitis due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
A report of a fatal case of necrotizing fasciitis of the leg due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. This organism frequently causes minor infections in seawater-exposed wounds. In this case the patient died due to fulminant sepsis caused by necrotizing fasciitis, despite surgical debridement. This case serves as a reminder for targeted antibiotic coverage for Vibrio in any serious saltwater-related infection, and as an illustration of the rapid and severe systemic toxicity associated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus necrotizing fasciitis, even in the setting of minor initial skin findings.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Whangarei Base Hospital, PO Box 742, Woodhill, Whangarei, New Zealand. gpayinda@gmail.com
Gary
G
Payinda
D000368:Aged; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D014735:Vibrio Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D014736:Vibrio parahaemolyticus