Vibrio vulnificus
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, identified as a new species in 1976, caused the greatest public health concern, with its involvement with human disease. Furthermore, biotype two is associated with infected eels, and biotype three is associated with wound infections of humans.
Genome structure
The genomes of two strains of V. vulnificus, YJ016 and CMCP6, have been fully sequenced, each with two, circular chromosomes.
Chromosome I of strain YJ016 has a length of 3,354,505 nucleotides, while chromosome II contains 1,857,073 nucleotides, with a size of 5,260,086 base pairs.
Chromosome I of strain CMCP6 has 3,281,945 nucleotides in length, while chromosome II has 1,844,853 nucleotides, with a size of 5,126,798 base pairs.
It is believed that Vibrios have two chromosomes as an evolutionary advantage. The larger chromosome plays a role in growth, while the smaller one is involved in adaptation and environmental change. Phenotypic variation is also present within V. vulnificus. It is observed that no two strains are genetically identical.
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
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References
"Vibrio". National Microbial Pathogen Data Resource Center.
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
