Clinical features and treatment outcomes of infection in the coastal city of Ningbo, China.

BACKGROUND

is a gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen common to warm waters worldwide. Human infection is rare and typically affects those residing in coastal areas during the summer months, but it causes rapid deterioration and is fatal.

METHODS

The medical records of six patients with sepsis caused by infection who were treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University from 2020 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The patient demographics, clinical symptoms, laboratory test results, treatments, and outcomes are summarized.

RESULTS

infection was confirmed by blood or pus culture, 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing. All six patients were male with pre-existing liver diseases and two reported consuming seafood before the onset of symptoms. Of the six patients, four succumbed to the disease, two recovered, and one underwent leg amputation.

CONCLUSION

infection progresses rapidly and is highly fatal, thus prompt and aggressive treatment is necessary. infection should be considered in older (>40 years) patients with a history of liver disease and recent consumption of seafood or exposure to seawater, especially those residing in coastal areas during the summer months.