Vibrio cholerae non-O1 facial cellulitis in a North Queensland, Australianchild

Vibrio cholerae is an uncommon cause of cellulitis in Australia. Most repor ted cases worldwide have involved marine or brackish water contact. A recog nized risk factor for acquiring this infection is chronic liver disease sec ondary to hepatitis B, We describe a case of extensive facial cellulitis ca used by Vibrio cholerae non-Ol, non-O139, in an 11-year-old indigenous girl from North Queensland, Australia, who was hepatitis B surface antigen-nega tive. Treatment consisted of extensive debridement, antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen and facial reconstructive surgery. Early microbiologic diagnosis an d a combined therapeutic approach are important in the management of this c ondition.