Two people are brought to the Emergency Department where you work. The first patient reports fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The second patient appears extremely ill. Her family tells you that she also had gastrointestinal signs and symptoms a few days ago. She has now developed severe skin blistering, has a very high fever and is only semi-conscious. When you question the first patient and the family of the second patient, you discover that they know each other and that they have all recently returned from a beach vacation in a major city on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The group tells you that the enjoyed a raw oyster dinner on the last day of their summer vacation. They think that both patients are probably just allergic to seafood, but given the severity of the signs and symptoms of your patients, you suspect that they may have Vibrio vulnificus infection. Lab tests confirm your suspicion. You give the families information on this disease.
-You find out that the seriously ill patient has an underlying condition. Which of the following likely predisposed her to the more severe infection?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The underlying condition that likely predisposed the seriously ill patient to a more severe Vibrio vulnificus infection is cirrhosis. People with liver disease, especially cirrhosis, are at higher risk for severe infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus. This is because the bacteria can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, where it can cause sepsis and other severe complications that the liver may not be able to handle. Other risk factors for severe Vibrio vulnificus infection include alcoholism, diabetes, and weakened immune system.

Two People Are Brought to the Emergency Department Where You