Rigorous Vibrio vulnificus soft tissue infection of the lower leg in a renal transplant patient managed by vacuum therapy and autologous growth factors.

BACKGROUND

Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative marine bacterium that grows well in coastal waters. It is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause serious life-threatening infections in patients with certain health conditions. Vibrio-induced wound infections in immunosuppressed patients are difficult to treat because the healing process may be significantly delayed. Reconstructive surgery may not be successful in early treatment as skin grafts are likely to fail, and there may be increased morbidity of donor sites of grafts or flaps.

OBJECTIVE

Herein a case of septicemia and wound necrosis owing to V. vulnificus wound infection in a renal transplant patient is reported.

METHOD: To conservatively yet adequately débride the wound bed, stimulate angiogenesis, and accelerate granulation, vacuum-assisted closure was employed. Granulation was further enhanced by autologous platelet concentrate spray, which has also been reported to increase the epithelialization rate.

RESULT: Complete epithelialization of the wound was achieved 4 weeks after completion of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Noninvasive advanced modalities may be employed to successfully treat infectious soft tissue deficits in immunocompromised patients.