Unusual portal of entry of Vibrio vulnificus: evidence of its prolonged survival on the skin

Clin Infect Dis. 2002 Mar 1;34(5):714-5. doi: 10.1086/338871. Epub 2002 Jan 23.

Abstract

Vibrio vulnificus biotype 3 is an emerging pathogen isolated from cultures of skin and blood samples obtained from patients who were directly injured by the fins of tilapia fish bred in artificial ponds. We describe a patient infected with this pathogen after being punctured by a wire. Meticulous anamnestic investigation demonstrated for the first time that this pathogen can survive on the skin for at least 24 hours.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Skin / microbiology*
  • Vibrio / physiology*
  • Vibrio Infections / microbiology