Flesh-eating bacteria: Risks, symptoms, and prevention

Medical services report an increase in infections caused by the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus. This microorganism, which inhabits warm coastal waters, can lead to severe tissue damage and systemic blood poisoning (sepsis). While these infections are rare, mortality rates among infected patients remain high. Transmission Mechanisms Vibrio vulnificus is a Gram-negative bacterium from the Vibrionaceae family. It naturally exists in seawater with low salinity at temperatures exceeding +20°C. Human infection occurs through two primary routes: Ingestion: Eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters, which filter water and accumulate microorganisms in their tissues. Skin Contact: Direct contact of broken skin with contaminated water. Bacteria enter through cuts, scratches, fresh tattoos, or insect bites. This can lead to necrotizing fasciitis—a severe infection that rapidly destroys soft tissue. Due to this mechanism, the bacterium is often called "flesh-eating," though it does not consume tissue but causes necrosis through its metabolic products.