Around 15 hours after being stung on the right thigh on August 6th, the man experienced severe swelling, redness, and pain. He was quickly taken to a local medical facility and then transferred to Bach Mai Hospital’s Poison Control Center.
His condition deteriorated rapidly. His right thigh became severely swollen with blood-filled blisters, indicating deep tissue damage and necrosis.
"In less than 24 hours, the bacteria aggressively attacked and destroyed the subcutaneous tissue layers, causing rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis and septic shock," Dr. Nguyen Huy Tien from the Poison Control Center said.
With pre-existing conditions like gout, hypertension, and a weakened immune system, the man’s condition became critical. He experienced respiratory failure, severely low blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, and cytokine storm. He required mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and continuous dialysis, facing a high risk of death.
Tests identified Vibrio vulnificus as the cause. This bacterium, one of about 12 Vibrio species pathogenic to humans, is known for causing severe wound infections and even death. In the US, 150-200 cases are reported annually, with a mortality rate of up to 20%, sometimes within one or two days of onset.
In a race against time, doctors conducted a hospital-wide multidisciplinary consultation. Surgery to remove necrotic tissue and drain fluids was deemed crucial.
Doctors made a wide incision, drained the wound, and removed all necrotic tissue and skin, relieving pressure in the swollen muscle compartments to save healthy tissue. This eliminated the source of infection and prevented toxins from spreading into the bloodstream. The patient was also treated with 4 potent antibiotics and intensive care measures.
Thanks to rapid diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics, and timely surgery, the patient's septic shock improved significantly after the operation. After 6 days of intensive care, he was taken off the ventilator and could breathe on his own.
"Currently, his organ functions are stable, and he has been transferred to the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for wound care," Dr. Tien stated.
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The patient in critical condition due to the dangerous bacteria. Photo: Nguyen Ha |
The patient in critical condition due to the dangerous bacteria. Photo: Nguyen Ha
Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Poison Control Center, explained that Vibrio vulnificus naturally inhabits seawater, estuaries, and brackish water, thriving in summer. It can enter the body through open wounds or contaminated food, especially undercooked seafood. Infection progresses rapidly, causing swelling, pain, rapid necrosis, septic shock, blood poisoning, and a high mortality rate if not treated promptly. People with liver disease, thalassemia, iron overload, weakened immune systems, those taking stomach acid reducers, or those with open wounds are at higher risk of severe complications.
To minimize infection risk, people should be cautious when consuming seafood, ensuring it's thoroughly cooked. Avoid raw oysters and prevent contact between raw seafood or seawater and cooked food. Exercise care when swimming in seawater or brackish water, and avoid contact with seafood or marine life if you have open wounds.
If injured in the sea, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with clean water or saline solution, then disinfect it. Monitor the wound closely for signs of swelling, heat, redness, rapidly spreading pain, pale or blackened skin, or fever. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms appear.
Le Nga
