Background: Vibrio vulnificus, though rare species and infection is perhaps the most important cause of severe vibrio infections in the U.S.Case Report: A 53-year-old male presented with vibrio vulnificus septicemia that subsequently developed fulminant necrotizing fasciitis. The patient required the amputation of both of his lower limbs but managed to survive despite a very poor survival rate from this disease. The spread of this disease is due in part to expanded recognition of this genus by microbiologists, more consumption of raw shellfish by Americans, and an increasing number of immunocompromised hosts. Cases are most commonly reported during warm-weather months and often are associated with eating oysters and crabs contaminated with the bacteria. 75% had preexisting liver disease.Conclusions: Physicians should inform patients at risk to avoid raw seafood in an attempt to prevent this potentially lethal syndrome.

Keywords: Vibrio vulnificus, necrotizing fasciitis, bullous lesions, septicemia