ABSTRACT
The members of the genus Vibrio are primarily aquatic bacteria, found both in freshwater and in seawater, in addition to being frequently associated with marine animals. Several species cause diarrhea or infections of the gastrointestinal tract but the most frequent enteric pathogens are Vibrio cholera and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Other Vibrio species have also been isolated from clinical specimens, indicating that they are pathogenic to humans. Vibrio is a genus of the family Vibrionaceae and the family is defined as motile Gram-negative straight or curved rods, non-spore forming. They are facultative anaerobes, with both respiratory and fermentative metabolism. Three species of Vibrio are responsible for most cases of human illness caused by vibrios, associated with several seafood vehicles: V. cholera, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. V. cholera can survive in water for long periods but appears to be confined to freshwater and estuarine environments.
