AUTHOR=Wang Jieyi , Weng Xingbei , Weng Yuesong , Xu Quanjun , Lu Yao , Mo Yijun 

TITLE=Clinical features and treatment outcomes of Vibrio vulnificus infection in the coastal city of Ningbo, China

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=14

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1220526

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2023.1220526

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<sec id="sec1"><title>Background</title><p><italic>Vibrio vulnificus</italic> is a gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen common to warm waters worldwide. Human <italic>V. vulnificus</italic> infection is rare and typically affects those residing in coastal areas during the summer months, but it causes rapid deterioration and is fatal.</p></sec><sec id="sec2"><title>Methods</title><p>The medical records of six patients with sepsis caused by <italic>V. vulnificus</italic> infection who were treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University from 2020 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The patient demographics, clinical symptoms, laboratory test results, treatments, and outcomes are summarized.</p></sec><sec id="sec3"><title>Results</title><p><italic>Vibrio vulnificus</italic> infection was confirmed by blood or pus culture, 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing. All six patients were male with pre-existing liver diseases and two reported consuming seafood before the onset of symptoms. Of the six patients, four succumbed to the disease, two recovered, and one underwent leg amputation.</p></sec><sec id="sec4"><title>Conclusion</title><p><italic>Vibrio vulnificus</italic> infection progresses rapidly and is highly fatal, thus prompt and aggressive treatment is necessary. <italic>Vibrio vulnificus</italic> infection should be considered in older (&gt;40 years) patients with a history of liver disease and recent consumption of seafood or exposure to seawater, especially those residing in coastal areas during the summer months.</p></sec>