Vibrio
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 Flagellar stain of V. cholerae
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V. cholerae |
Vibrio is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria possessing a curved rod shape.[1] Typically found in saltwater, Vibrio are facultative anaerobes that test positive for oxidase and do not form spores.[2] All members of the genus are motile and monotrichous (having a single polar flagellum).
[edit] Pathogenic strains
Several species of Vibrio are clinically important human pathogens. Most disease causing strains are associated with gastroenteritis but can also infect open wounds and cause septicemia. It can be carried by numerous sea living animals, such as crabs or prawns, and has been known to cause fatal infections in humans during exposure. Pathogenic Vibrio include V. cholerae (the causative agent of cholera), V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus (both can cause food poisoning, usually associated with eating undercooked seafood).
V. parahaemolyticus is also associated with the Kanagawa phenomenon, in which strains isolated from human hosts (clinical isolates) are hemolytic on blood agar plates, while those isolated from non-human sources are non-hemolytic.[3]
[edit] Other strains
Vibrio fischeri and V. harveyi are notable not for any pathogenic abilities, but for their ability to communicate. Both species are symbiotes of other marine organisms (typically jellyfish), and produce light via bioluminescence through the mechanism of quorum sensing.
[edit] References
- ^ Ryan KJ; Ray CG (editors) (2004). Sherris Medical Microbiology, 4th ed., McGraw Hill. ISBN 0-8385-8529-9.
- ^ Madigan, Michael; Martinko, John (editors) (2005). Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 11th ed., Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-144329-1.
- ^ Joseph S, Colwell R, Kaper J (1982). "Vibrio parahaemolyticus and related halophilic Vibrios". Crit Rev Microbiol 10 (1): 77-124. PMID 6756788.
