Non-O1, non-O139 Vibrio cholerae sepsis in a patient with nephrotic syndrome.

Non-O1, non-O139 Vibrio cholerae is an encapsulated bacterium, ubiquitous in the marine environment and generally considered to be non-pathogenic. However, it is known to cause diarrheal illness, wound infection, and bacteremia in immunocompromised hosts. Here we have describe non-O1, non-O139 V. cholerae sepsis in a patient with nephrotic syndrome following exposure to sea-water. Interestingly, the exposure occurred remotely 4 months prior to the onset of nephrotic syndrome. The occurrence of florid sepsis after a prolonged interval from the time of exposure is peculiar and raises the possibility of an association between occult Vibrio sepsis and nephrotic syndrome.