Vibrio vulnificus septicemia in a hospitalized patient with hepatitis B virus-associated cirrhosis: A case report

Vibrio vulnificus is usually transmitted by consumption of raw or undercooked seafood or exposure to seawater and can causes gastroenteritis, wound infection, and even sepsis. However, atypical or unclear sources of V. vulnificus infection have been reported. Here, we report a case of V. vulnificus infection presenting as septicemia in a 53-year-old man with hepatitis B virus-associated cirrhosis. The source of infection remained unclear as the patient reported no consumption of seafood or contact with seawater. Treatment with antibiotics was initiated prior to confirmation of V. vulnificus infection. This report provides an important reference for the diagnosis and treatment of V. vulnificus infection.