What genomic sequence information has revealed about Vibrio ecology in the ocean--a review.

To date, the genomes of eight Vibrio strains representing six species and three human pathogens have been fully sequenced and reported. This review compares genomic information revealed from these sequencing efforts and what we can infer about Vibrio biology and ecology from this and related genomic information. The focus of the review is on those attributes that allow the Vibrios to survive and even proliferate in their ocean habitats, which include seawater, plankton, invertebrates, fish, marine mammals, plants, man-made structures (surfaces), and particulate matter. Areas covered include general information about the eight genomes, each of which is distributed over two chromosomes; a discussion of expected and unusual genes found; attachment sites and mechanisms; utilization of particulate and dissolved organic matter; and conclusions.