VIBRIO-VULNIFICUS SEPSIS IN SOLID-ORGAN TRANSPLANTATION - A MEDICAL NEMESIS

We report two cases of Vibrio vulnificus wound infection leading to fu lminant sepsis syndrome in immunocompromised solid organ transplant re cipients. Features of clinical presentation in each of these cases sug gest that host immune factors are of great importance in the virulence of this organism and that immunocompromised recipients of solid organ transplants are particularly vulnerable to life-threatening consequen ces from infection with Vibrio vulnificus. Prompt institution of antib iotic therapy and early consideration for surgical wound debridement a re the mainstay of successful management. Heart and ether organ transp lant recipients should be educated and warned about the hazards associ ated with raw oysters and shellfish consumption and asked to exercise caution when exposed to a salt water environment.