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Finger Necrotizing Fasciitis and Septicemia Caused by Vibrio vulnificus
Pengfei Hu1,2, Guanya Liu1,2, Huaihong Xu1,2
1Department of General Surgery, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Background: Vibrio vulnificus infections develop rapidly and have high mortality and disability rates. Vibrio vulnificus can cause local wound infection, gastroenteritis, or septicemia. Case Presentation: In this case, an 86-year-old male was accidentally stabbed in the middle of his right thumb while cleaning whitewater fish and came to the emergency department with high fever and painful swelling of the right hand. Physical examination revealed hemorrhagic bullae in the right hand. Emergency surgery and bacterial culture were performed. Because of timely antibiotic use and surgical treatment, the patient eventually recovered and was discharged from the hospital. Conclusions: This case suggests that the possibility of Vibrio vulnificus should be considered in cases of severe infection of the extremities, even without a history of seafood consumption or seawater exposure. Early recognition, rational choice of antibiotic agents, and timely wound debridement can substantially improve the prognosis of patients and reduce mortality.
Insights
Vibrio vulnificus infections can cause severe limb infections, even without typical risk factors like seafood exposure. Early antibiotics and surgery are crucial for patient recovery and survival.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Vibrio vulnificus infections are rapidly progressing with high mortality and disability rates.
- Infections can manifest as local wound infections, gastroenteritis, or life-threatening septicemia.
Observation:
- An 86-year-old male presented with fever and severe right hand swelling after a thumb injury while cleaning fish.
- Physical examination revealed hemorrhagic bullae on the affected hand, indicating a severe bacterial infection.
Findings:
- Prompt surgical intervention and targeted antibiotic therapy led to the patient's recovery.
- Bacterial cultures confirmed the presence of Vibrio vulnificus.
Implications:
- Vibrio vulnificus should be suspected in severe extremity infections, irrespective of seafood or seawater exposure history.
- Early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics, and surgical debridement are critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality.
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