Vibrio cholerae non-O1, non-O139 bacteremia in a cirrhotic patient

Vibrio cholerae serogroups 01 or 0139 are the aetiological agents of cholera The pathogenicity of non-O1, non-O139 V cholerae is less well known These worldwide bacteria are responsible for gastrointestinal infections or, more rarely, bacteraemia in patients with an underlying disease, leading to life-threatening complications We report a case of non-O1, non-O139 V. cholerae bacteraemia due to a haemolytic strain in a cirrhotic patient Early antibiotherapy allowed a good outcome The aim of this case report is to underline the virulence of non-choleragenic Vibrio strains, possibly linked to haemolysin production, and the potential danger of consuming undercooked seafood or exposing wounds to sea water in cirrhotic patients