Vibrio

Vibrio is a genus of Gram-negative bacteria, possessing a curved-rod shape (comma shape), several species of which can cause foodborne infection, usually associated with eating undercooked seafood. Typically found in salt water, Vibrio species are facultative anaerobes that test positive for oxidase and do not form spores. All members of the genus are motile and have polar flagella with sheaths. Vibrio species typically possess two chromosomes, which is unusual for bacteria. Each chromosome has a distinct and independent origin of replication, and are conserved together over time in the genus. Recent phylogenies have been constructed based on a suite of genes (Multilocus sequence typing).

Pathogenesis

Some species of Vibrio are pathogens. Most disease-causing strains are associated with gastroenteritis, but can also infect open wounds and cause septicemia. It can be carried by numerous marine animals, such as crabs or prawns, and has been known to cause fatal infections in humans during exposure. Pathogenic Vibrio species include V. cholerae (the causative agent of cholera), V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus. V. vulnificus is the species most commonly associated with seafood-borne illnesses, and it is also considered to be the most dangerous.

Treatment

Treatment is with antibiotics. Vibrio vulnificus rarely requires aggressive surgical debridement. The antibiotic of choice is doxycycline with ceftazidime. In people with liver disease, Vibrio vulnificus typically causes a severe, life-threatening illness characterized by fever and chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock), and blood-tinged blistering skin lesions (hemorrhagic bullae). Overall, Vibrio vulnificus is the most serious Vibrio infection, and the disease has a high mortality rate, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

See also

• Cholera
• Vibrio cholerae
• Vibrio parahaemolyticus
• Vibrio vulnificus

References

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  Vibrio cholerae under a microscope

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  TCBS agar plate showing Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus