Spectrum of Vibrio infections in a Gulf Coast community.

Infection with Vibrio species was diagnosed in 23 patients over a 10-year period in a Gulf Coast community. Species isolated were Vibrio vulnificus, V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and V. alginolyticus. Clinical presentations included diarrhea, wound infection, and bacteremia. Gastrointestinal tract infection was infrequently diagnosed, despite the routine use of stool culture media appropriate for vibrio isolation. Bacteremic infections were severe and occurred only in patients with underlying diseases. Wound infections were complicated by tissue necrosis and required surgical debridement. In patients with underlying diseases, soft tissue infections often progressed to fatal septicemias.