High-frequency phase variation of Vibrio vulnificus 1003: isolation and characterization of a rugose phenotypic variant.
The marine bacterium Vibrio vulnificus is a human pathogen that can spontaneously switch between virulent opaque and avirulent translucent phenotypes. Here, we document an additional form, the rugose variant, which produces copious biofilms and which may contribute both to pathogenicity of V. vulnificus and to its survival under adverse environmental conditions.
Grau
Brenda L
BL
Department of Biological Sciences, 107 Life Sciences Building, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. bgrau1@lsu.edu
Henk
Margaret C
MC
Pettis
Gregg S
GS
D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development; D010641:Phenotype; D041261:Vibrio vulnificus / Q000502:physiology*