Fulminant necrotising fasciitis caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Abstract

We report a patient with septicaemia and fulminant necrotising fasciitis caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This organism is strongly associated with seawater exposure and seafood ingestion. The patient recovered due to expedient management, prompt recognition of the organism, appropriate antimicrobial cover and surgical debridement. The lesson to be learned is that this organism should be clinically suspected and recognised from its typical history of injury and fulminant clinical progress as a delay in diagnosis and treatment may result in an increased risk of mortality.