| The genus Vibrio encompasses species of bacteria found in marine and brackish waters. Several species are pathogenic in humans, the most well-known being V. cholerae, the cause of the diarrheal disease cholera. Vibrio vulnificus is the species most commonly responsible for causing food poisoning from ingestion of shell and finfish. Under certain conditions, V. vulnificus undergoes a morphological change and enters a dormant (viable but nonculturable) state. Factors that influence dormancy in V. vulnificus, such as environmental stress, are not well understood. Examined in this study includes the rate at which V. vulnificus enters a dormant state, its ability to return to the active state, the effect of temperature, media, and the possible role of growth stimulating factor (GSF). |
