Unmasking Vibrio vulnificus: Emerging “flesh-eating bacteria” and its health implications

Galo Guillermo Farfán-Cano

Abstract


Recent media reports in the USA have raised concerns about dubbing Vibrio vulnificus as the "flesh-eating bacteria," which is traditionally associated with treptococcus pyogenes. This review aimed to explore V. vulnificus as an emerging pathogen, its role in human infections, and its association with necrotizing fasciitis in wound infections. A systematic review was conducted of articles published between 2013 and 2023, focusing on V. vulnificus and its role in human infections. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were rigorously applied. The search  identified 16 articles of which seven studies included in the review, with 77 V. vulnificus-induced necrotizing fasciitis cases reported over the past decade. Demographic and diagnostic data were analyzed, highlighting the need for further research due to regional variations. This comprehensive review highlights the emerging significance of V.vulnificus as a pathogen, particularly in the context of necrotizing fasciitis and emphasizes the need for region-specific research. Understanding V. vulnificus infection is crucial for timely intervention and improved public health outcomes.

Full Text:

PDF

References


Bhat P, et al. Case Report: Fatal case of necrotising fasciitis due to Vibrio vulnificus in a patient with alcoholic liver disease and diabetes mellitus. BMJ Case Reports 2019; 12(1).

CDC. Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Disease: Necrotizing fasciitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023a. https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/necrotizing-fasciitis.html. (Accessed: 21 September 2023).

CDC. Health Alert Network (HAN) - 00497 | Severe Vibrio vulnificus Infections in the United States Associated with Warming Coastal Waters. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023b. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00497.asp. (Accessed: 21 September 2023).

CDC. Vibrio Species Causing Vibriosis: Information for Health Professionals & Laboratorians | Vibrio Illness (Vibriosis) | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023c. https://www.cdc.gov/vibrio/healthcare.html. (Accessed: 21 September 2023).

Cheng N-C, et al. High mortality risk of type III monomicrobial gram-negative necrotizing fasciitis: The role of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) and Klebsiella pneumoniae. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2023; 132:64-71.

D’Souza C, et al. PCR-based evidence showing the presence of Vibrio vulnificus in wound infection cases in Mangaluru, India. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2018; 68:74-76.

Lee C-Y, et al. Risk factors of synchronous multifocal necrotizing fasciitis: a case control study in comparison with monofocal necrotizing fasciitis in Taiwan. BMC Infectious Diseases 2019; 19(1):1-7.

Madiyal M, et al. A rare glimpse into the morbid world of necrotising fasciitis: Flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology 2016; 34(3).

Tomenchok LE, et al. Children’s abrasions in recreational beach areas and a review of possible wound infections. International journal of environmental research and public health 2020; 17(11):4060.

Tsai Y-H, et al. A multiplex PCR assay for detection of Vibrio vulnificus, Aeromonas hydrophila, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus agalactiae from the isolates of patients with necrotizing fasciitis. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2019; 81:73-80.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.24815/tigh.v3i2.35244

Article Metrics

Abstract view : 0 times
PDF - 0 times

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.



2021 | Trends in Infection and Global Health (TIGH)