Doctors from the University Hospital Burgas successfully saved the life of a 61-year-old woman infected with the extremely rare but dangerous bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, known as the „man-eating bacterium“. The woman, who was injured while on holiday at the Silistar campsite, entered the sea with an open wound on her leg. Within the same day, her leg began to swell, blistering and fever developed.
„We found an infection, which we immediately set out to manage surgically,“, says Dr. Todor Shuplev, the surgeon on duty. The microbiological sample taken quickly showed the presence of Vibrio vulnificus, identified by Dr. Kalina Tsankova, Head of the Microbiology Laboratory.
„This bacterium is very distinctive and easy to recognize,“, she explained.
A month of struggle and 10 surgeries
The woman underwent 10 surgical interventions, during which the entire Second Surgery team fought for her life. Despite initial signs of sepsis and polyorgan failure, thanks to timely antibiotic and surgical treatment, the patient was able to make a full recovery.
„Despite the serious infection, we were able to avoid amputation, which is a rare achievement in such cases,“, Dr. Shuplev added.
Doctors’ warning: Do not enter the sea with open wounds
Doctors warned that even a small wound can become an open door for deadly infections.
„People do not realize how dangerous a small cut can be, especially when in contact with seawater,“, they urged. Although the infection is rare, this case highlights the seriousness of the bacteria, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems.
The costs and the future
The patient’s treatment exceeded several times the cost of the clinical pathway, with the drugs alone costing over BGN 9000.
„Every few months we have one such case, which puts a significant financial burden on the hospital,“, the doctors explained.
The case is already being prepared for scientific publication and will be presented at an upcoming medical congress.
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