Rigorous Vibrio vulnificus soft tissue infection of the lower leg in a renal transplant patient managed by vacuum therapy and autologous growth factors.
BACKGROUND
Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative marine bacterium that grows well in coastal waters. It is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause serious life-threatening infections in patients with certain health conditions. Vibrio-induced wound infections in immunosuppressed patients are difficult to treat because the healing process may be significantly delayed. Reconstructive surgery may not be successful in early treatment as skin grafts are likely to fail, and there may be increased morbidity of donor sites of grafts or flaps.


OBJECTIVE
Herein a case of septicemia and wound necrosis owing to V. vulnificus wound infection in a renal transplant patient is reported.


METHODS
To conservatively yet adequately débride the wound bed, stimulate angiogenesis, and accelerate granulation, vacuum-assisted closure was employed. Granulation was further enhanced by autologous platelet concentrate spray, which has also been reported to increase the epithelialization rate.


RESULTS
Complete epithelialization of the wound was achieved 4 weeks after completion of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Noninvasive advanced modalities may be employed to successfully treat infectious soft tissue deficits in immunocompromised patients.
Thodis
Elias
E
Department of Nephrology, Democritus University in Thrace Hospital, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
Kriki
Pelagia
P
Kakagia
Despoina
D
Passadakis
Ploumis
P
Theodoridis
Marios
M
Mourvati
Euthymia
E
Vargemezis
Vassilios
V
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000382:microbiology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma; D012860:Skates, Fish; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014735:Vibrio Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D041261:Vibrio vulnificus; D014945:Wound Healing; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*
D006133:Growth Substances