What makes some Vibrio strains cause severe disease while others remain harmless in the environment?

This research uses comparative genomics and phenotypic characterization to identify the environmental conditions and genetic factors that shape virulence in Vibrio vulnificus and related species. By comparing isolate virulence phenotypes across clinical and environmental strains, we aim to develop biomarkers that can predict which strains pose the greatest risk to human health—informing both clinical treatment and seafood safety decisions.