RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Vibrio vulnificus septic shock due to a contaminated tattoo JF BMJ Case Reports FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP bcr-2017-220199 DO 10.1136/bcr-2017-220199 VO 2017 A1 Nicholas Hendren A1 Senthil Sukumar A1 Craig S Glazer YR 2017 UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/2017/bcr-2017-220199.abstract AB We present a case of Vibrio vulnificus septic shock and cellulitis in a patient with chronic liver disease that occurred after obtaining a leg tattoo with subsequent seawater exposure in the Gulf of Mexico. Initial suspicion for V. vulnificus was high and he was started on empiric doxycycline and ceftriaxone at admission. Blood and wound cultures grew oxidase positive and comma-shaped Gram-negative rods ultimately confirmed to be V. vulnificus. Despite aggressive initial treatment, the patient developed septic shock and died. This case highlights the association of chronic liver disease and high mortality associated with infections of V. vulnificus. Health providers should remain vigilant for V. vulnificus infections in patients with chronic liver disease and raw oyster ingestion or seawater exposure.