deadly threat
These bacteria have a large arsenal of molecular munitions, including various toxins, that help the bacteria sequester cells, extract nutrients, degrade structural proteins, break down tissue linings, cause leaky blood vessels, fuel destructive inflammation, suppress immune defenses, and generally devastate their victims.
The overall mortality rate of V. vulnificus infections are about 35 percent. But for any infected person who also has an immunocompromised condition or liver disease, mortality reaches between 50 and 60 percent. Similarly, for those who develop sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to an infection), mortality is also around 50 percent. For patients like the man in this case, if antibiotics or surgical removal of necrotic tissue are delayed, mortality increases to 100 percent.
In this case the man did not die. But his right leg was so damaged when he arrived at the hospital that it had to be amputated above the knee. Meanwhile, his forearm required an extensive skin graft, which was taken from other parts of his body. After a regimen of antibiotics and six months of healing, doctors reported that he had healed well.
The case highlighted that the threat of V. vulnificus is increasing amid climate change, and medical experts see its rise as an urgent public health issue. Warming waters, geographical dispersion and increasing resistance to antibiotics are increasing risks. Between 1998 and 2018, US cases of V. vulnificus increased eightfold, including expansion to areas where the bacteria is considered rare, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.
“The abundance and geographical distribution of V. vulnificus “It is expected to increase due to factors related to climate change, including rising water temperatures, storm surges, salinity changes, and algal blooms,” the man’s doctors wrote.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that to avoid a vibrio infection, eat only well-cooked seafood and wash your hands after handling raw seafood. If you have an open wound, avoid getting into brackish water or at least cover it well. If you are injured while in brackish water or if an existing wound is exposed, wash it with soap and clean running water.
