Hemorrhagic Bullae Associated With Vibrio vulnificus Septicemia

Abstract
† Bullous lesions associated withVibrio vulnificusinfection developed in two patients, both of whom had hepatic cirrhosis. One patient had a recent history of ingestion of raw oysters, while the other patient had recently exposed skin lacerations to sea water. Both patients died within 24 hours of hospitalization, in spite of antibiotic treatment.Vibrio vulnificuswas isolated from blood and bullae in both patients. Histologic examination of skin biopsy specimens revealed epidermal/ dermal separation and clusters of bacteria within dermal vessels with a negligible inflammatory response. (Arch Dermatol1986;122:818-820)