Vibrio parahaemolyticus strain 16763

Vibrio parahaemolyticus strain 16763 is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that thrives in aquatic environments. As a facultative anaerobe, it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen, utilizing organic compounds as a heterotrophic energy source. This organism is motile, possessing flagella that facilitate its movement in water. Strain 16763 is mesophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 20°C, indicating its adaptation to moderate temperature ranges typical of many aquatic habitats. The bacterium has a single replicon and is characterized by its double-membrane structure, a trait common among gram-negative bacteria. Vibrio parahaemolyticus strain 16763 exhibits a free-living biotic relationship, meaning it exists independently in its environment, yet it is also associated with a diverse range of hosts, including Homo sapiens, various aquatic species such as Danio rerio and Penaeus vannamei, and bivalves like Ruditapes philippinarum. This strain is known for its pathogenicity in humans, where it can cause a variety of health issues, including vibriosis, gastroenteritis, and foodborne diseases. The bacterium is implicated in ear and wound infections, as well as more severe conditions such as systemic sepsis and acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in other species. Understanding the ecological role and pathogenic potential of Vibrio parahaemolyticus strain 16763 is vital, particularly in the context of seafood safety and public health, as it highlights the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked marine products.