Most reported cases of infection with V. vulnificus have occurred in patients with chronic liver disease, immunodeficiencies, or hematological disorders characterized by elevated iron levels.1–7,9– 12 Contamination with V. vulnificus can be difficult to detect because the organism has no effect on the appearance, taste, or odor of seafood, particularly raw oysters.13 Because V. vulnificus is ubiquitous in warm marine environments, water quality also has little impact on the risk of infection.12 In this report, we describe a severe case of soft-tissue infection and review much of the current literature concerning V. vulnificus.
Wealso provide recommendations for treatment and prevention in populations at high risk of infection.