J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2007 Apr;42(2):276-279. 10.4055/jkoa.2007.42.2.276.

Vibrio vulnificus Infection Presenting as Septic Arthritis of the Knee: A Case Report

• Jung HG
• Choi JB
• Seo YS

• KMID: 854599
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2007.42.2.276

Abstract

Vibrio vulnificus is a fatal marine Gram-negative bacillus that might cause septicemia, necrotizing cellulites in patients with underlying liver disease or an immunocompromised health status, and is associated with high mortality. It is usually attributed to the ingestion of raw shellfish or traumatic exposure to the marine environment. The clinical manifestation includes fever, chill, hypotension, and skin lesions such as erythematous patch, vesicle, bullae that develop into necrosis and wound infections. We report a case of Vibrio vulnificus septicemia and necrotizing fascitis in a patient who presented with septic arthritis of the knee as the first clinical manifestation.

Keyword

Vibrio vulnificus; Septic arthritis

MeSH Terms

Mortality

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Arthroscopic finding shows prulent synovial fluid and hypertrophied synovial tissue (arrow).

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  Fig. 2 The gram-negative rod isolated from the left knee joint aspirate yielded Vibrio vulnificus (McConkey agar).

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  Fig. 3 Surgical findings showing broad necrosis affecting the deep muscle layer of the lateral aspect of the thigh.

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  Fig. 4 Rectus abdominis free flap was performed to cover the soft tissue defect after debridment.

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