Vibrio vulnificus is most often associated with which clinical condition?

• A. Gastroenteritis
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Pyelonephritis
• D. Wound infections

Answer: (D)

Vibrio vulnificus is a marine bacterium that is characteristically associated with wound infections after skin is exposed to seawater or contaminated seafood. When inoculated into soft tissue, it can cause rapidly progressive cellulitis and even necrotizing fasciitis, which is a hallmark presentation doctors look for in patients with seawater-related injuries or handling of raw seafood. Ingestion of contaminated seafood can also cause gastroenteritis and, in predisposed individuals (such as those with liver disease), septicemia, but the classic and most frequently observed association in clinical practice is wound infections from marine exposure. Pneumonia and pyelonephritis are not typical presentations for this organism.