Vibrio vulnificus Gram negative bacteria Gammaproteobacterium C. Medley F2013 Modified by DYH Vibrio vulnificus Gram negative bacteria Gammaproteobacterium Halophilic; inhabits oceans and is transmitted to humans through improperly cooked seafood V. vulnificus is in the same family as the causative agent of cholera, Vibrio cholera Was first isolated in 1976 in the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta and was named in 1979 The strain YJ016 (the human pathogen) has two chromosomes and a plasmid. http://textbookofbacteriology.net/V.vulnificus.html

C. Medley F2013 Modified by DYH Pathogenicity Utilizes the cytotoxin RTX secreted through the Type 1 secretion system (T1SS) Most RTX genes are on the small chromosomes Can be ingested, causing food poisoning and diarrhea. If V. vulnificus enters through a wound, it may cause tissue deterioration. In immunocompromised individuals, especially those with liver damage, V. vulnificus can cause septicemia. Most individuals infected have blisters and hemorrhagic necrosis. There are 69 ORFs on the plasmid Possesses Type IV Pili These genes are split amongst the small and large chromosome Has a capsule, allowing the bacteria to evade the host immune system There is no ORF on present that would assist the bacterium in invading the host. That is why V. vulnificus must enter the host via the gastrointestinal tract or through wounds.