ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes the available models for studying Vibrio spp. infections, with an emphasis on the utility of C. elegans model. Vibriosis is a common illness among seafood consumers that is caused by bacteria of the family Vibrionaceae. Several model organisms have been used to identify the various virulent factors of V. cholerae and understand the host immune response against V. cholerae infection and effect of secreted cholera toxin. Vibrio alginolyticus is a common inhabitant of the marine environment in both temperate and tropical waters. Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative halophilic bacterium that causes acute gastroenteritis in humans. With a mode of transmission through seafood contaminants, vibriosis in humans represents a challenge to researchers. Given that many reoccurring Vibrio species containing various virulent factors are being identified every year, these bacteria pose a significant public risk to human populations.
