Vibrio vulnificus: Difference between revisions

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==Description and significance==
==Description and significance==
''V. vulnificus'', a gram negative, rod shaped, halophile, is a virulent bacterium associated with about 95 percent of all seafood related deaths.  It is a human pathogen known to cause gastroenteritis, wound infections and primary septicemia.  This organism can typically be found in estuarine and coastal waters, thriving especially in bivalve mollusks including oysters and clams, additionally, causing health risks to those who ingest raw or undercooked seafood.  ''V. vulnificus'' has three biotypes, with biotype 1 causing the greatest public health concern.
''V. vulnificus'', a gram negative, rod shaped, halophile, is a virulent bacterium associated with about 95 percent of all seafood related deaths.  It is a human pathogen known to cause gastroenteritis, wound infections and primary septicemia.  This organism can typically be found in estuarine and coastal waters, thriving especially in bivalve mollusks including oysters and clams, additionally, causing health risks to those who ingest raw or undercooked seafood.  ''V. vulnificus'' has three biotypes, with biotype one causing the greatest public health concern.


==Genome structure==
==Genome structure==

Revision as of 06:51, 2 May 2007

A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Vibrio vulnificus

Classification

Higher order taxa

Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Gammaproteobacteria; Vibrionales; Vibrionaceae; Vibrio

Species

Vibrio vulnificus

Description and significance

V. vulnificus, a gram negative, rod shaped, halophile, is a virulent bacterium associated with about 95 percent of all seafood related deaths. It is a human pathogen known to cause gastroenteritis, wound infections and primary septicemia. This organism can typically be found in estuarine and coastal waters, thriving especially in bivalve mollusks including oysters and clams, additionally, causing health risks to those who ingest raw or undercooked seafood. V. vulnificus has three biotypes, with biotype one causing the greatest public health concern.

Genome structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

References

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Todar, Kenneth. "Vibrio vulnificus". Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology. 2005.

[ Thompson, F., Austin, B., and Swings, J. (Eds.). (2006). The Biology of vibrios. (pp. 349-354, 359-361). Washington, D.C.: ASM Press.]

Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano