Causes and risk factors
This infection is caused due to bacterium Vibrio vulnificus. Ingestion of contaminated sea food or contamination of the wounded or injured skin due to contact with warm sea water is the main cause of transmission of the infection. Eating oysters is comparatively the main contributing factor. It is more commonly seen in immunocompromised people or those who suffer from chronic hepatic conditions.
Clinical presentation:
Ingestion of contaminated food causes pain in abdomen along with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The pain is dull aching or crampy in nature. The patient passes loose to watery stools containing undigested food particles. At times, the stools are bloody. This loss of water from body leads to dehydration. Fevers along with chills are seen. Loss of appetite can occur leading to weakness. In people suffering from chronic liver disease, the infection can spread to bloodstream leading to complication. Infection of the wound can lead to blister formation and slow down the healing of the injured area. Necrosis of the area can be seen. The blood pressure decreases, and in extreme cases, septic shock can occur.
Investigations:
The symptoms narrated by the patient are taken into consideration. Per abdominal examination is done. There is often a history of exposure to sea water. Investigations like complete blood count, stool and urine test along with blood cultures are diagnostic. Examination of the wound is also done.
Treatment:
In mild cases, medications like antidiarrheal drugs or pain reliving medications along with antipyretic medications are prescribed. Antibiotics can be started to combat the infection. Maintenance of hydration is of utmost importance. Adequate intake of fluid is advised. In severe cases where dehydration supervenes, intravenous administration of fluid is necessary. Wound cleansing is done. In case of necrosis, surgical removal of the dead necrotic tissue is done. Drinking boiled water and maintaining both personal and environmental hygiene, and avoiding eating outside food is necessary. It is also equally important to adopt measures to cook food in hygienic condition and under aseptic precautions.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up with the symptoms. Taking into consideration the symptoms in a holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
