Vibrio vulnificus infection attributed to bee sting: a case report

Abstract

Vibrio vulnificus is a pathogenic marine bacteria associated with high mortality. Changes in climate and the global seafood trade have increased the prevalence of marine and freshwater systems affected by V. vulnificus. As a result, the incidence of land animals, plants, and insects contacting V. vulnificus and acting as disease vectors is on the rise. We report the case of a 53-year-old male who was infected with V. vulnificus as the result of a bee sting. The patient had no history of contact with the sea or fresh water or aquatic organisms or products. Due to bacterial pathogenicity and the patient’s underlying diseases, his condition deteriorated rapidly and eventually resulted in death. Here, we review the pathogenic mechanisms and treatment of V. vulnificus. We determined that V. vulnificus has spread from seawater to freshwater and that individuals may become infected from insects, even in the absence of direct contact with infected water. This case report will inform clinicians about the possible sources of V. vulnificus infection and indicates the possibility that more insects may transmit V. vulnificus in the future.

Keywords

• Vibrio vulnificus
• bee sting
• infection
• insect-borne transmission
• Sepsis