Which Vibrio species is known for causing flesh-eating skin lesions?

• A. Vibrio vulnificus
• B. Vibrio cholerae
• C. Vibrio alginolyticus
• D. Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Answer: (A)

The main idea is recognizing which Vibrio species is linked to severe, rapidly spreading skin and soft-tissue infections from seawater or shellfish exposure. The best-known organism for flesh-eating-type wounds is Vibrio vulnificus. It can cause aggressive necrotizing wound infections and even septicemia, especially after a seawater wound or exposure to raw shellfish. It’s particularly dangerous for people with liver disease or iron overload, where outcomes can be severe.

Other Vibrio species have different typical presentations. Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, marked by profuse watery diarrhea rather than skin infections. Vibrio alginolyticus can cause wound infections in marine settings but is not the classic cause of flesh-eating necrotizing lesions. Vibrio parahaemolyticus more often leads to gastroenteritis from seafood consumption.