How to Treat Vibrio Infections

Vibrio infections are caused by any bacterium in the Vibrio genus. They are classified into cholera and non-cholera groups. An infection from Vibrio cholerae is usually just called cholera, so Vibrio infections usually refer to non-cholera diseases. The non-cholera species require salt water and the most dangerous one is Vibrio vulnificus. Shellfish are prone to contamination by Vibrio. The following steps will show how to treat vibrio infections.

Instructions

• 1

  Realize that most cases of gastroenteritis caused by Vibrio will resolve without treatment. Intravenous fluids may need to be provided to patients who cannot take fluids orally.

• 2

  Initiate antibiotics such as doxycycline or quinolone if the patient has a high fever or underlying medical condition. Antibiotics do not shorten the course of Vibrio infections.

• 3

  Begin fluid replacement and administer vasopressors to correct electrolyte levels in patients with noncholera Vibro wound infections or septicemia. Antibiotic treatments must be started promptly.

• 4

  Debride the infected wound early to avoid future amputation of digits or limbs. Subsequent surgery may be needed because patients with Vibrio-infected wounds can deteriorate rapidly and develop compartment syndrome or necrotizing fascitis. Reconstructive surgery such as a skin graft may be needed during the recovery phase.

• 5

  Administer a combination of ceftazidime and doxycycline as the treatment of choice in cases of wound infection or septicemia by Vibrio. Anti-pseudomonal penicillins such as clavulante, piperacillin, tazobactam or ticarcillin are a good alternative. Cefotaxime and fluoroquinolones are also effective but may have higher toxicity than the other choices.