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Vibrio vulnificus — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardTropical & Imported InfectionsVibrio vulnificusSCE Infectious Diseases

A 58-year-old man with chronic liver disease and iron overload from haemochromatosis develops septicaemia after eating raw oysters during a holiday in the southern United States. Blood cultures grow a curved Gram-negative rod that grows on thiosulfate citrate bile salts sucrose (TCBS) agar. He has rapidly progressive cellulitis with haemorrhagic bullae. What is the most likely organism?

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Correct answer: B — Vibrio vulnificus

Vibrio vulnificus causes severe septicaemia and necrotising wound infections in patients with chronic liver disease and iron overload conditions. Ingestion of raw shellfish (particularly oysters from warm Gulf Coast waters) is the typical route. Haemorrhagic bullae with rapidly progressive cellulitis are characteristic. Growth on TCBS agar confirms a Vibrio species. Treatment is Doxycycline plus a third-generation cephalosporin. Mortality exceeds 50% with septicaemia, especially with delayed treatment.

Reference: UKHSA 2023 – Vibrio infections; CDC 2024 – Vibrio vulnificus