Non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae bacteremia from ingesting untreated water: A case report

Non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae (NOVC) infections are of rising global incidence and can cause a spectrum of illness, ranging from self-limiting gastroenteritis and wound infections to life-threatening bacteremia. Herein, we report a case of secondary bacteremia related to gastroenteritis caused by NOVC infection from ingesting untreated water. A 72-year-old male developed acute-onset chest pain, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Laboratory detection revealed elevated inflammatory markers. The blood culture tested positive and was further identified as ctxAB-negative NOVC. The patient was diagnosed with gastroenteritis accompanied by secondary bacteremia. Targeted therapy with meropenem, based on the NOVC susceptibility profile, successfully resolved the infection. This case underscores ingestion of untreated water is a potential risk for NOVC infection. For patients with elevated inflammatory markers and positive blood cultures, it's needed to consider bacteria infection to ensure timely diagnosis and targeted therapy.