[Vibrio vulnificus. A marine bacterium with lethal potential].

Vibrio vulnificus is a halophilic gram-negative rod widespread in the aquatic environment and associated with primary septicemia and severe wound infections. The first Swedish case was reported in 1994. Ever since, sporadic cases have occurred in the south of Sweden whenever the coastal water temperature has exceeded 20 degrees C. Critical for a successful outcome in these infections has been early diagnosis with appropriate antibiotic and surgical treatment. A review of this subject was prompted by two cases of fulminant septicemia, which both presented themselves as atypical erysipelas.