Fatal Bacteremia from Non-Motile Vibrio cholerae in Laos
Author Information
Author(s): Phetsouvanh Rattanaphone, Nakatsu Masami, Arakawa Eiji, Davong Viengmone, Vongsouvath Manivanh, Lattana Olay, Moore Catrin E, Nakamura Satoshi, Newton Paul N
Primary Institution: Wellcome Trust-Mahosot Hospital-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Collaboration, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Conclusion
This case report highlights a fatal infection caused by non-motile Vibrio cholerae O21 in Laos, which is unusual for this bacterium.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient consumed partially cooked apple snails and mussels before falling ill.
- Blood cultures confirmed the presence of non-motile Vibrio cholerae O21.
- The bacteria lacked flagella but contained the flaA gene.
Takeaway
A farmer in Laos got very sick and died from a type of bacteria found in undercooked snails. This bacteria usually moves around, but this one didn't.
Methodology
The case involved blood cultures and PCR analysis to identify the bacteria and its genetic characteristics.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
The patient was a 20-year-old female rice farmer.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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