Leg Gangrene and Endotoxin Shock Due toVibrio parahaemolyticus— An Infection Acquired in New England Coastal Waters

Abstract

BACTERIAL infections may result in shock, vascular thrombosis and gangrene. A case due to a halophilic marine vibrio is reported herewith.Case ReportA 40-year-old man had a generalized papular hemorrhagic rash, vomiting, diarrhea and fever 2 days after bathing and "clamming" in Narragansett Bay. The clotting time was 13 minutes, and platelets were decreased in number; the blood pressure dropped to 80/50. Stain of an exudate on the left leg showed gram-negative bacilli only. Impending endotoxin shock was suspected. C.entamicin and intravenous heparin were started. Despite treatment, gangrene of the left leg developed. An arteriogram revealed "obliteration at the . . .