Vibrio mimicus: A rare wound infection in a patient with neuroendocrine tumor of the humerus

Abstract

Introduction: Non-cholera Vibrio spp. can cause intestinal and extraintestinal infections. Wound infection with V. mimicus is rare and has not been previously documented to occur following orthopedic surgery. Case presentation: A 61-year-old female with poorly differentiated large cell neuroendocrine tumor of the proximal humerus diagnosed in 2023. Patient underwent left humerus tumor resection and intramedullary nailing. On follow-up, tumor girth was increasing, and wound was healing. The patient was started on radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy. At 2.5 months postop, wound was draining and V. mimicus was identified from cultures; she was started on antibiotics. Conclusions: Vibrio spp. associated infections are expected to increase worldwide, especially in the context of higher temperatures and ongoing global warming. This case raises concern about water contamination as a source of wound infection.