Seasonality, clinical types and prognostic factors of Vibrio vulnificus infection

Abstract

Introduction: Vibrio vulnificus infection, an uncommon but life-threatening illness, manifests as two main types, primary septicemia and primary wound infections.  Little information regarding the seasonality of V. vulnificus infections in tropical areas and prognostic factors of primary V. vulnificus wound infections is available.

Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted to include 159 V. vulnificus-infected admissions at our institution in southern Taiwan, 63 with primary septicemia (Group 1) and 96 with primary wound infections (Group 2), from 1999 to 2008, for analysis.

Results: The case-fatality rate was 24%. Eighty-eight percent of these cases occurred during April to November. During December to March, patients in Group 2 were less likely to have acquired the infection compared with those in Group 1. Group 1 was more likely to have comorbidities and a higher case-fatality rate compared to Group 2. In multivariate analysis, hemorrhagic bullous skin lesions/necrotizing fasciitis (P=0.024), lesions involving two or more limbs (P=0.043), and shock on admission (P=0.015) were related to an increased mortality risk, while surgery < 24 hours after admission (P=0.001) was related to a decreased mortality risk in Group 1; however, hemorrhagic bullous skin lesions/necrotizing fasciitis (P=0.045) was the only prognostic factor in Group 2.

Conclusion: The presence of hemorrhagic bullous lesion/necrotizing fasciitis is the main prognostic factor for primary septicemia or primary wound infections caused by V. vulnificus. Persons with an underlying immunocompromised status should avoid consuming raw/undercooked seafood or exposing wounds to seawater and should wear clothing during handling of seafood/fishing, especially in warmer months.