Symptoms
- varies from cellulitis to fatal bacteremia associated with chronic cutaneous ulcers.
- soft tissue infection and septicemia can occur if organism enters body percutaneously.
- organism has occasionally been associated with diarrheal illness.
Infectious agent
- Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium.
Mode of transmission
- contact of superficial wounds with seawater or seafood containing the organism.
- ingestion of contaminated water or food (usually raw or undercooked seafood) by immunocompromised persons, especially those with hepatic cirhosis.
- not transmitted person to person.
Distribution
- organism is most commonly found in the Gulf states of the US and is probably part of the normal marine flora in warmer climates.
Incubation period
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Thanks to the World Health Organisation
for much of this information.
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bravenet.com
