First documented case of bacteremia with Vibrio vulnificus in Sweden

Abstract

A few days after a mild trauma to a toe, a 90-year-old woman presented with fever, malaise and cellulitis. On suspicion of erysipelas the patient was initially treated with benzylpenicillin and cefuroxime. Her general condition improved rapidly, but there was local progression with numerous necrotic areas with surrounding bullae. Vibrio vulnificus was isolated from the blood. After susceptibility testing, the patient was finally treated with ciprofloxacin and pivampicillin, and recovered slowly. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bacteremia with V. vulnificus in Sweden.