ABSTRACT
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a leading cause of seafood borne gastroenteritis in Asia as well as in other countries. This chapter discusses the various virulence strategies adopted by V parahaemolyticus. Thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) and TDH-related hemolysin are the most frequently used indicators of pathogenicity of the organism. It was found that the type III and VI secretion systems also have a major role in virulence machinery in V. parahaemolyticus. Type VI secretion systems are bacterial secretion systems used by Gram-negative bacteria to outcompete their neighbours. They have a bacteriophage tail-like device to inject effector proteins to the host. V parahaemolyticus, especially the 03:K6 serotype is an emerging foodborne pathogen causing widespread foodborne outbreaks worldwide. A detailed understanding of virulence mechanisms of V parahaemolyticus is lacking and it is required to deliver a better understanding of the pathogen and its host—pathogen interactions.
