Published online Feb 16, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i5.1210
Peer-review started: November 17, 2020
First decision: December 8, 2020
Revised: December 21, 2020
Accepted: January 7, 2021
Article in press: January 7, 2021
Published online: February 16, 2021
Processing time: 65 Days and 22 Hours
Vibrio pararhaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus), a pathogen that commonly causes gastroenteritis, could potentially lead to a pandemic in Asia. Its pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms vary, and the severity of illness can be diverse, ranging from mild gastroenteritis, requiring only supportive care, to sepsis.
We outline a case of a 71-year-old female who experienced an acute onset of severe abdominal tenderness after two days of vomiting and diarrhea prior to her emergency department visit. A small bowel perforation was diagnosed using computed tomography. The ascites cultured revealed infection due to V. parahaemolyticus
Our case is the first reported case of V. parahaemolyticus-induced gastroenteritis resulting in small bowel perforation.
Core Tip: Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a pathogen commonly associated with gastroenteritis following the consumption of seafood. Aside from supportive treatment with hydration and oral antibiotics, clinicians must be aware of the possible complication of acute abdomen which may require surgical intervention.