Vibrio

definition

Vibrio is a genus of Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming rod-shaped bacteria typically characterized by a curved morphology and motility via a single polar flagellum. Most members of the genus are halophilic (salt-requiring) and naturally occur in marine, estuarine, and coastal aquatic environments. While over 100 species are identified, the most clinically significant human pathogens are Vibrio cholerae (causative agent of cholera), Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus, which cause gastroenteritis, septicemia, and necrotizing wound infections.