A successfully treated case of Vibrio vulnificus septicemia with shock

Vibrio vulnificus infection often causes serious or fatal disease. Recently, in Japan there have been numerous reports of Vibrio vulnificus infection. Here, we report a successfully treated case of Vibrio vulnificus septicemia with shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and necrotizing cellulitis in a middle-aged heavy drinker with chronic alcoholic liver disease. On reviewing 38 cases in Japan including ours, the overall mortality rate was 68%. Although the incidence is relatively low, it is recommended to warn patients in the high risk category, such as liver disease patients, to avoid raw fish and shellfish and limit sea water exposure.