Case Report

Cholera-like Presentation in Vibrio fluvialis Enteritis

Authors: David R. Allton, MD, Michael A. Forgione, Jr, MD, Sheila P. Gros, MT, (ASCP) SM

Abstract

We describe a patient who presented with cholera-like diarrhea seven days after eating shellfish at a seafood buffet on the Gulf Coast. The patient’s stool culture grew only Vibrio fluvialis on TCBS agar, and his diarrhea and profound acidosis completely resolved within 24 hours of initiating antibiotics. To our knowledge, a detailed case of V fluvialis diarrhea with cholera-like symptoms has not been reported.


Key Points


* Vibrio fluvialis is often isolated from brackish waters of the coastal US and has been implicated in gastroenteritis in humans.


* Though most cases are mild, the diarrhea and acidosis experienced by this patient was very severe.


* Ingestion of raw or undercooked seafood is a risk factor for developing V fluvialis diarrhea.

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