Vibrio cholerae cystitis following geothermal hot springs exposure in California

Abstract

Vibrio cholerae is a motile, gram-negative bacterium typically found in brackish, coastal waters and most often associated with gastroenteritis. This case details a rare presentation of non-O1/O139 V. cholerae cystitis in an immunocompetent 27-year-old male with no urogenital tract abnormalities following exposure to geothermal hot springs in California. We present the diagnostic considerations and challenges in clinical management for this case, and the relevance of climate change for understanding epidemiology and exposure risk relevant to clinical practice.