The main difference between Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus is that Vibrio cholerae causes cholera in humans, whereas Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes acute gastroenteritis in humans.
Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus are two types of pathogenic bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses. Generally, they have a single polar flagellum.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Vibrio Cholerae
– Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Vibrio Parahaemolyticus
– Definition, Structure, Function
3. Similarities- Vibrio Cholerae and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Vibrio Cholerae and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Vibrio Cholerae, Vibrio Parahaemolyticus
What is Vibrio Cholerae
Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative bacterium that is rod-shaped and curved. It occurs in brackish and saltwater. This bacterium occurs attached to the chitin-containing shells of shrimps, crabs, and other shellfish. At one pole, Vibrio cholerae contains a flagellum, while it contains pili throughout the space. Importantly, some species of Vibrio cholerae are pathogenic in humans, causing the deadly illness, cholera. Especially, consumption of raw or undercooked marine species can cause this disease. That is because, vibrio cholerae contains two circular DNA, one of which contains DNA for cholera toxin. Cholera toxin is a protein that causes profuse, watery diarrhea that can kill an adult in 24 hours.
Figure 1: Vibrio Cholerae
Furthermore, Vibrio cholerae cells become available in large numbers in the environment after infection. They can become either free-living cells or form biofilms on the chitin surfaces of crustaceans. The formation of biofilms provides protection while allowing the transport of bacteria through the biofilm. It also allows the colonizing of bacteria in a wide range of environments.
What is Vibrio Parahaemolyticus
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative bacterium that is a comma-shaped bacterium. It occurs in the sea and estuaries. Vibrio parahaemolyticus does not form spores. In addition, it is oxidase positive and facultative anaerobic. Generally, the ingestion of bacteria that comes with seafood that is raw or uncooked can cause infection. It typically causes acute gastroenteritis. It can also form wound infections, which is less common than the seafood-borne disease. The seafood that contains Vibrio parahaemolyticus includes squid, mackerel, tuna, sardines, crab, conch, shrimp, and bivalves.
Figure 2: Vibrio Parahaemolyticus
Moreover, the outbreaks of Vibrio parahaemolyticus mainly concentrate on the coastal regions during the summer and early fall. And, the incubation period of the disease caused by vibrio parahaemolyticus is about 24 hours. The symptoms include intense watery or bloody diarrhea along with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever. However, the symptoms of the disease can resolve within 72 hours.
Similarities Between Vibrio Cholerae and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus
- Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus are two types of Vibrio species that are Gram-negative.
- They are rod-shaped bacteria that have a single flagellum.
- Moreover, both are non-spore-forming.
- Most of them produce catalase and oxidase and ferment glucose without producing gas.
Difference Between Vibrio Cholerae and Vibrio Parahaemolyticus
Definition
Vibrio cholerae refers to a species of Gram-negative, facultative anaerobe and comma-shaped bacteria while Vibrio parahaemolyticus refers to a curved, rod-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium found in the sea and in estuaries.
Occurrence
Vibrio cholerae occurs in brackish or saltwater, while Vibrio parahaemolyticus occurs in the sea and in estuaries.
Importance
Vibrio cholerae causes the deadly disease cholera while Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes gastrointestinal illness in humans.
Conclusion
In brief, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus are two types of Vibrio species that are Gram-negative. They are rod-shaped bacteria that have a single flagellum. Generally, Vibrio cholerae occurs in brackish or saltwater, causing the deadly disease cholera in humans. In comparison, Vibrio parahaemolyticus occurs in the sea and in estuaries, causing gastrointestinal illness in humans. Therefore, the main difference between Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus is their occurrence and importance.
References:
- Bauer A, Østensvik Ø, Florvåg M, Ørmen Ø, Rørvik LM. Occurrence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae, and V. vulnificus in Norwegian Blue Mussels (Mytilus edulis). Appl Environ Microbiol. 2006 Apr;72(4):3058-61. doi: 10.1128/AEM.72.4.3058-3061.2006. PMID: 16598019; PMCID: PMC1449022.
Image Courtesy:
- “Cholera bacteria SEM” By Zeimusu – Own work (Copyrighted free use) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Vibrio parahaemolyticus 01” By Janice Carr – Own Work (Public Domian) via Commons Wikimedia
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