Atypical manifestation of Vibrio cholerae: fear the water!

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been an universal increase in number of reports of infections involving non-O1, non-O139 V. cholerae (NOVC). NOVC infection is only rarely complicated by septicaemia or invasive extra-intestinal infection.

CASE SUMMARY

We report the first documented case of NOVC bacteraemia in a Belgian immunocompetent male after ingestion of water when paddling in a creek.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should include V. cholerae in their differential diagnosis in patients presenting with a self-limiting gastroenteritis after ingestion of raw and undercooked seafood or bathing in potentially contaminated recreational waters during warm summers.