Purpura fulminans due to Vibrio vulnificus severe infection

Abstract

Purpura fulminans is a life-threatening disease, characterized by disseminated intravascular coagulation and endovascular thrombosis; can often occur secondary to heterogeneous etiologies, such as sepsis, and to a lesser extent, secondary to sepsis due to halophilic bacteria, such as V. vulnificus, found in marine environments. Patients with specific comorbidities are at the highest risk of worst scenarios, without prompt treatment, infection can rapidly evolve to fatal, with a mortality rate close to 100 %. We present a case of Purpura fulminans due to V. vulnificus septicemia.

Keywords

• Vibrio vulnificus
• Purpura fulminans
• Seafood
• Oysters
• Seawater