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 and history of eating raw oysters and exposure to warm coastal waters suggest an infection with Vibrio vulnificus. The presence of necrotic lesions on the left leg is also consistent with Vibrio vulnificus infection. Additionally, the patient's history of alcoholic liver disease puts him at increased risk for severe infections with this bacterium. Bacillus cereus and Cyclospora cayetanensis typically cause less severe gastrointestinal symptoms, while Salmonella Typhi is associated with typhoid fever and usually presents with a longer incubation period before symptoms appear. Hepatitis C virus is a viral infection of the liver and would not cause the acute symptoms described in this case.

A 38-Year-Old Man Had Onset of Fever,chills,nausea,and Myalgia While Vacationing