Diversity of Vibrios in the Gulf of Mexico
We are conducting a long-term study of bacterial diversity on the Gulf Coast of Florida, focusing specific attention on the genus Vibrio. The overall purpose is to determine the physical and biological factors that influence bacterial community structure and dynamics. Our long-term focus on bioluminescent Vibrios has more recently expanded to include the more numerous non-luminous Vibrios, as well. The Vibrios include not only ecologically important species, but also species (for example Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus) with serious impact on human health. These species are notorious shellfish contaminants that cause severe gastroenteritis. With the current environmental crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, our work has taken on a new sense of urgency, since Vibrios can act as indicator species. The proposed project will test the hypothesis that there are seasonal fluctuations in the Vibrio community, and will involve molecular characterization of a large collection of Vibrios
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