A 38- year- old man had onset of fever, chills, nausea, and myalgia while vacationing on the Gulf of Mexico. On April 29, he had eaten raw oysters and gone wading in the warm coastal waters. On May 2, he was admitted to a hospital because of a fever of 39°C and two circular necrotic lesions on the left leg. He had a history of alcoholic liver disease. He was transferred to the ICU; therapy with antibiotics was initiated. On May 4, he died. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms, history of raw oyster consumption and warm coastal waters exposure, and presence of necrotic lesions on the leg are consistent with Vibrio vulnificus infection. This bacterium is commonly found in warm seawater, and can cause severe illness especially in individuals with underlying liver disease. Salmonella typhi and Cyclospora cayetanensis may cause gastrointestinal symptoms but are less likely to present with necrotic lesions. Bacillus cereus is also less likely to cause such severe symptoms. Hepatitis C virus causes liver inflammation but does not typically present with the described symptoms.

A 38- Year- Old Man Had Onset of Fever, Chills