Wound Infection due to Vibrio vulnificus in Spain.

Abstract

Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative rod that can cause septicaemia and skin lesions, usually in patients with underlying illnesses such as chronic liver disease or diabetes mellitus. Infections caused by this bacterium are unusual in Spain. A case of skin infection due to Vibrio vulnificus is reported in a patient whose abraded skin on his left leg came into contact with seawater. The patient died suddenly, probably due to septicaemia or bacteraemia caused by this organism. Vibrio vulnificus infection must be considered in the differential diagnosis of septicaemia, skin lesions and wound infections, particularly when a patient reports a history of contact with seawater.

• Authors: L Torres, S Escobar, A I López, M L Marco, V Pobo
• Journal: European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases : official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology (Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis) Vol. 21 Issue 7 Pg. 537-8 (Jul 2002) ISSN: 0934-9723 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 12172745 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Fatal Outcome
• Humans
• Male
• Sepsis (microbiology)
• Spain
• Vibrio Infections (diagnosis, microbiology)
• Vibrio vulnificus (isolation & purification)
• Wound Infection (microbiology)
• Wounds and Injuries (microbiology)