Vibrio Vulnificus Infection 

  • Author: Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: May 13, 2011
 

Background

Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative bacillus that only affects humans and other primates. It is in the same family as bacteria that cause cholera. The first documented case of disease caused by the organism was in 1979.

V vulnificus is usually found in warm, shallow, coastal salt water in temperate climates throughout most of the world. It can be found in the Gulf of Mexico, along most of the East Coast of the United States, and along all of the West Coast of the United States. V vulnificus can be found in water; sediment; plankton; and shellfish, such as oysters, clams, and crabs. This organism can survive in seawater and can produce wound infections, a potentially serious problem among Asian tsunami survivors.[1]

Also see the eMedicine article Vibrio Infections.

Next

Pathophysiology

V vulnificus infects the body in 2 ways, either by exposure to contaminated seafood, such as raw oysters, or through an open wound exposed to contaminated seawater. Among healthy individuals, within 16 hours of ingestion, they experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Many patients develop distinctive bullous skin lesions. In patients who are immunocompromised, particularly those with chronic liver disease (especially cirrhosis), immunosuppression, end-stage renal disease, and hematopoietic disorders, V vulnificus can cause life-threatening septic shock and blistering skin lesions. Those who are immunocompromised are at a much greater risk for contracting V vulnificus and dying from overwhelming sepsis.

Because the incidence of disease is relatively low, not all strains of V vulnificus may be equally virulent. Recent data are consistent with the existence of 2 genotypes of V vulnificus, with the C-type being a strong indicator of potential virulence.[2]

Previous
Next

Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

V vulnificus infections are rare but underreported. Most cases are found in the Gulf Coast states, and they are most common during warm weather months.

International

The frequency of V vulnificus infection, which is rare in Japan, was evaluated in 2008. Its prevalence varied in different districts.[3]

Mortality/Morbidity

Most V vulnificus infections are acute but have no long-term consequences; however, in patients who develop septic shock from infection with V vulnificus, the mortality rate is 50%. In rare instances, skin infection can result in necrotizing fasciitis.

Race

All races are affected equally.

Sex

Males and females are affected equally.

Age

All ages are affected equally.

Previous
Proceed to Clinical Presentation
 
 
Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH  Professor and Head, Dermatology, Professor of Pathology, Pediatrics, Medicine, and Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School

Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, and Sigma Xi

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Cris Jagar, MD  Staff Physician, Department of Psychiatry, Trinitas Regional Medical Center

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Craig A Elmets, MD  Professor and Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, UAB Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

Craig A Elmets, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Association of Immunologists, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Medical Research, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Palomar Medical Technologies Stock None; Astellas Consulting fee Review panel membership; Massachusetts Medical Society Salary Employment; Abbott Laboratories Grant/research funds Independent contractor; UpToDate Salary Employment; Biogen Grant/research funds Independent contractor; Clinuvel Independent contractor; Covan Basilea Pharmaceutical Grant/research funds Independent contractor; ISDIN None Consulting; TenX BIopharma Grant/research funds Independent contractor

David F Butler, MD  Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey P Callen, MD  Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), Chief, Division of Dermatology, University of Louisville School of Medicine

Jeffrey P Callen, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, and American College of Rheumatology

Disclosure: Amgen Honoraria Consulting; Abbott Honoraria Consulting; Electrical Optical Sciences Consulting fee Consulting; Celgene Honoraria Safety Monitoring Committee; GSK - Glaxo Smith Kline Consulting fee Consulting; TenXBioPharma Consulting fee Safety Monitoring Committee

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Department of Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

  1. Lim PL. Wound infections in tsunami survivors: a commentary. Ann Acad Med Singapore. Oct 2005;34(9):582-5. [Medline].

  2. Rosche TM, Yano Y, Oliver JD. A rapid and simple PCR analysis indicates there are two subgroups of Vibrio vulnificus which correlate with clinical or environmental isolation. Microbiol Immunol. 2005;49(4):381-9. [Medline].

  3. Inoue Y, Ono T, Matsui T, Miyasaka J, Kinoshita Y, Ihn H. Epidemiological survey of Vibrio vulnificus infection in Japan between 1999 and 2003. J Dermatol. Mar 2008;35(3):129-39. [Medline].

  4. Partridge DG, Townsend R, Larkin S, Parsons HK. Vibrio vulnificus: an unusual mode of acquisition and novel use of rapid susceptibility testing. J Clin Pathol. Apr 2009;62(4):370-2. [Medline].

  5. Haq SM, Dayal HH. Chronic liver disease and consumption of raw oysters: a potentially lethal combination--a review of Vibrio vulnificus septicemia. Am J Gastroenterol. May 2005;100(5):1195-9. [Medline].

  6. Choi HJ, Lee DK, Lee MW, Choi JH, Moon KC, Koh JK. Vibrio vulnificus septicemia presenting as purpura fulminans. J Dermatol. Jan 2005;32(1):48-51. [Medline].

  7. Tajiri T, Tate G, Akita H, et al. Autopsy cases of fulminant-type bacterial infection with necrotizing fasciitis: group A (beta) hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes versus Vibrio vulnificus infection. Pathol Int. Mar 2008;58(3):196-202. [Medline].

  8. Tsai YH, Wen-Wei Hsu R, Huang KC, Huang TJ. Comparison of necrotizing fasciitis and sepsis caused by Vibrio vulnificus and Staphylococcus aureus. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Feb 2011;93(3):274-84. [Medline].

  9. Inoue H. Vibrio vulnificus infection of the hand. J Orthop Sci. Jan 2006;11(1):85-7. [Medline].

  10. Tsai YH, Hsu RW, Huang TJ, et al. Necrotizing soft-tissue infections and sepsis caused by Vibrio vulnificus compared with those caused by Aeromonas species. J Bone Joint Surg Am. Mar 2007;89(3):631-6. [Medline].

  11. [Guideline] American Medical Association; American Nurses Association-American Nurses Foundation; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; et al. Diagnosis and management of foodborne illnesses: a primer for physicians and other health care professionals. MMWR Recomm Rep. Apr 16 2004;53:1-33. [Medline].

  12. [Guideline] Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections. Clin Infect Dis. Nov 15 2005;41(10):1373-406. [Medline].

  13. Prutkin JM, Haq R. A dish best served hot. Am J Med. Apr 2006;119(4):307-9. [Medline].

  14. Mouzin E, Mascola L, Tormey MP, Dassey DE. Prevention of Vibrio vulnificus infections. Assessment of regulatory educational strategies. JAMA. Aug 20 1997;278(7):576-8. [Medline].

  15. Tsai YH, Huang TJ, Hsu RW, et al. Necrotizing soft-tissue infections and primary sepsis caused by Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae non-O1. J Trauma. Mar 2009;66(3):899-905. [Medline].

  16. Kuo Chou TN, Chao WN, Yang C, Wong RH, Ueng KC, Chen SC. Predictors of Mortality in Skin and Soft-tissue Infections Caused by Vibrio vulnificus. World J Surg. Feb 12 2010;[Medline].

 
Previous
Next
 
 
 
 
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2012 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.