Vibrio
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Image:Vibrio cholerae 01.jpg Flagellar stain of V. cholerae
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V. cholerae |
Bacteria of the genus Vibrio are Gram-negative bacilli, with comma-shaped cells. Typically found in saltwater, Vibrio are oxidase positive, facultatively anaerobic, and do not form spores. All members of the genus are motile, typically with a single, polar flagellum.
[edit] Pathogenic strains
Several species of Vibrio are important human pathogens; most disease-causing strains are associated with gastroenteritis but can also infect open wounds or cause septicemia. Notable pathogenic Vibrio include V. cholerae (the causative agent of cholera), V. parahaemolyticus (a type of food poisoning associated with undercooked seafood), and V. vulnificus (another seafood-associated, food poisoning strain).
[edit] Other strains
Vibrio fischeri and V. harveyi are notable not for any pathogenic qualities, 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
- Madigan, Michael; Martinko, John (editors) (2005). Brock Biology of Microorganisms, 11th ed., Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-144329-1.
- Ryan KJ; Ray CG (editors) (2004). Sherris Medical Microbiology, 4th ed., McGraw Hill. ISBN 0-8385-8529-9.ca:Vibrio
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