vibrios

Vibrios, or the genus Vibrio, are a diverse group of Gram-negative, curved-rod bacteria. They are typically motile by a single polar flagellum and are oxidase-positive. Most vibrios are facultative anaerobes and prefer moist, saline environments. They are common in brackish and marine waters worldwide and can be found in association with plankton, sediments, and shellfish. Many vibrios tolerate a range of salinities, with some species adapted to estuarine conditions.

Ecologically, vibrios play roles in coastal microbial communities and can form biofilms. The genus includes environmental species as well as several human pathogens. Notable human pathogens include Vibrio cholerae, the cause of cholera, transmitted mainly through contaminated water and food; Vibrio parahaemolyticus, associated with seafood consumption; and Vibrio vulnificus, linked to severe wound infections and septicemia, particularly after exposure to warm seawater or ingestion of contaminated seafood. Infections range from self-limited gastroenteritis to life-threatening systemic disease, with higher risk for individuals with liver disease, iron overload, or immune compromise.

Diagnosis and treatment rely on culture on selective media and oxidase testing, often supplemented by molecular methods. For cholera, rehydration and electrolyte management are central; invasive vibrios may require antibiotics. Public health measures emphasize safe drinking water, proper seafood handling, and thorough cooking of seafood. Vaccines exist for cholera in certain settings but are not universally implemented.

Taxonomically, Vibrio is a genus within the family Vibrionaceae. The group continues to be studied for species distinctions and virulence factors, which vary across pathogenic and environmental members.