Vibrio vulnificus
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Vibrio vulnificus
Classification
Higher order taxa
Bacteria; Proteobacteria; Gammaproteobacteria; Vibrionales; Vibrionaceae; Vibrio; Vibrio vulnificus
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 1 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
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Ecology
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Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Application to Biotechnology
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Current Research
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References
Edited by student of Rachel Larsen and Kit Pogliano
