Vibrio cholerae Bacteraemia: Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Aims: Case reports on Vibrio cholerae bacteraemia are extremely rare and thus such cases should be presented for a proper understanding of the mechanism of these rare conditions. Presentation of Cases: One male patient aged 67 years was suffering from vomiting, hiccups, fever with chills and weakness. The post-liver transplant patient was also suffering from diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. There was evidence of acute phase inflammatory reactions. Blood culture revealed polymyxin B sensitive Vibrio cholerae. After treatment, patient became normal and was discharged. Another male patient aged 68 years was suffering from jaundice, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever. The post-cholecystectomy patient was also suffering from COPD. LFT and P-time were grossly abnormal with 1.94x105/ml HBV DNA. CT scan of the lungs showed bronchiectasis, fibrosis and emphysema. Blood culture revealed polymyxin B-resistant Vibrio cholerae. Gradually severe metabolic acidosis and congestive cardiac failure developed and the patient expired. Discussion: Male dominance of Vibrio cholerae bacteraemia as observed also by others was probably due to protection in females by oestrogen; polymyxin B sensitivity, invasion of tissue from colonization and comorbidity conditions may be important factors for treatment outcome. Conclusion: Vibrio cholerae bacteraemia, although rare, may be present in difficult-to-treat cases.