Properties and Pathogenicity of the Vibrio Bacilli

Currently, among 36 species of the Vibrio genus, 12 are potentially pathogenic to humans. The purpose of this study is to present the properties and pathogenicity of the Vibrio bacilli. The Vibrio family are pathogenic to humans causing dangerous infectious diseases that may often be fatal in the absence of effective therapy, but are also an infectious agent among animals. The most characteristic representative of the Vibrionaceae family is the species Vibrio cholerae. There are two strains that disrupt the water and electrolyte balance in humans: V. cholerae O1 and V. cholerae O139. The V. cholerae O1 serotype has two biotypes: classical and El Tor. Three serotypes are distinguished in each biotype – Inaba, Ogawa and Hikojima. The El Tor biotype shows the ability to survive and colonize the human body, causing chronic carrier state. Infections caused by species other than V. cholerae are referred to by the prefix “non” or NAG (Non-AgglutinatinGVibrio) – V. cholerae non-O1 and V. cholerae non-O139. They are found in natural bodies of water, lakes, estuaries and marine waters. In Poland, V. cholerae non-O1 and V. cholerae non-O139 were confirmed in previous years in the Bug River, near the border with Ukraine, during the summerautumn period.