A05.5

Clinical Causes: Eating raw or undercooked seafood, notably oysters, clams, and other shellfish Consuming contaminated seawater or seafood harvested from polluted waters Ingestion of seafood infected with Vibrio vulnificus bacteria Cross-contamination during food preparation

Key Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain Vomiting and diarrhea Fever and chills Skin infections, including blisters and ulcerations In cases of bloodstream infection, symptoms like low blood pressure and septic shock Rapidly progressing cellulitis in affected skin areas

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history review, especially recent seafood consumption, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Blood and wound cultures are commonly used to identify Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. Rapid identification is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment may include antibiotics specifically targeting Vibrio bacteria, supportive care for symptoms, and in severe cases, hospitalization. Prompt medical intervention is essential, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions, as they are at higher risk of severe complications.