Tissue invasion by unnamed marine vibrios
C. R. Fernandez and G. A. Pankey
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an extremely common organism of major importance
as a cause of gastroenteritis, but not common as a cause of tissue
infection. Of three patients who had serious localized tissue infections,
one died because of an unnamed marine Vibrio infection. Vibrios are easily
isolated, although their final speciation is quite difficult in view of
their unsettled taxonomic position. It is hoped that agreement can be
reached as to bacteriologic genealogy; perhaps then the specific pathogenic
manifestations will be clarified. The clinician should consider the
possibility of this pathogen in any patient with a wound related to
saltwater or seafood.
