Septic patients caused by Vibrio vulnificus: epidemiology, clinical findings, diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Objective To study epidemiology, clinical findings, diagnosis and treatment of sepsis caused by Vibrio vulnificus. Method Patientss with Vibrio vulnificus sepsis were collected from 1995 to 2008. The medical records including epidemiological and clinical data were analyzed. Results The male-to-female ratio of 34cases was 4.7:1 and 76. 5% of these patients suffered from chronic liver disease. Most patients occurred from April to October with signs of abrupt fever, characteristic cutaneous lesions, hypotension and progressive multiple organ disfunction syndrome (MODS). The mortality was over 47.1% . The criteria proposed for early diagnosis of Vibrio vulnificus sepsis were abrupt onset with fever during the period from April to November, characteristic cutaneous lesions, such as the most commonly occurred haemorrhagic bullae on the extremities or even extensive necrosis of skin and muscular tissue, progressive hypotension or shock accompanied by MODS, pre-existing liver disease or chronic abuse of alcohol, and consumption of raw seafood or exposure to seawater within 12 week. Early administration of the third-generation cephalosporins with the quinolones in full dosage, aggressive wound debridement,appropriate dermoplasty and supportive care contribute to a better outcome. Conclusions Vibrio vulnificus sepsis progresses rapidly with high mortality. Early diagnosis, rapid treatment with prompt antibiotics and aggressive surgery treatment are very important to improve the outcome. Key words: Vibrio vulnificus; Sepsis; Epidemiology; Diagnosis; Treatment