Infections with Vibrio vulnificus

Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) is a Gram-negative, halophilic (salt-loving) bacillus found in marine and estuarial waters that is an uncommon cause of serious skin infections and septicemia. V vulnificus infections occur most commonly in patients with underlying hepatic disease or patients who are immunocompromised secondary to disease or medication. It is important to consider the possibility of infection with V vulnificus in patients who present with high fever and rapidly progressive sepsis and have a history of consumption of raw seafood or exposure of open wounds in a marine environment. Public education regarding the risk of raw seafood consumption is essential to preventing infection with this virulent pathogen.