Danger on a Half Shell: Vibrio vulnificus Septicemia

Patients with a compromised immune system should avoid certain gastronomic delights. A 69-year-old man became seriously ill 48 hours after consuming raw oysters. He presented with fever, confusion, tachycardia, hypotension, and patchy erythema of the bilateral lower extremities. Twelve hours later, he developed bullae in both lower extremities. His medical history included chronic lymphocytib leukemia with hypogammaglobulinemia, iron deficiency anemia, and gastric bypass surgery. Here, Jones et al present their assessment and management of the patient.