Milestones in Vibrio Science and their Contributions to Microbiology and Global Health

Abstract

Background: Vibrio, a group of Gram‑negative bacteria found in the ocean, has become a significant global threat, intensified by climate change, owing to its crucial roles in environmental, human, and animal health. Research on these bacteria and the diseases they cause has greatly influenced scientific progress, resulting in major advancements in the fields of microbiology, epidemiology, and public health. Objectives: This review aims to highlight the early groundbreaking discoveries in Vibrio research, particularly those that have significantly impacted the science of microbiology and global health. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across vast databases of biomedical and life sciences literature including PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. Additionally, a search of the grey literature was performed. Studies that marked early groundbreaking discoveries in Vibrio research, with wide implications for human society, were included. Findings and conclusion: Research on Vibrio has led to major advancements in our understanding of disease mechanisms, pathogen ecology, and the epidemiology of waterborne infections. A landmark discovery was the identification of Vibrio cholerae in 1884, which played a crucial role in studying waterborne diseases such as cholera and led to the development of modern approaches to treat diarrheal diseases, such as the introduction of oral rehydration salt (ORS) therapy. Certain Vibrio strains, such as Vibrio vulnificus, are important models for studying flesh‑eating diseases, while others, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus ST3, ST36, and V. cholerae O1, are the only marine bacteria known to cause global epidemics by spreading across continents. Key mechanisms in Gram‑negative bacteria, including the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, quorum sensing, and the type VI secretion system (T6SS), were first discovered in Vibrio species. Today, research on Vibrio bacteria remains crucial from a global health perspective, especially owing to the expanding effects of climate change on their worldwide distribution.

Keywords: Cholera; History; Pathogenic bacteria; Public health.

Figure 1

In the nineteenth century, Filippo Pacini (a), John Snow (b), and Robert Koch (c) left an indelible mark on the history of cholera and are rightly considered the “fathers” of studies on the disease and its causative microorganism (see text for details). In modern times, Rita R. Colwell (d) stands out as one of the most influential microbiologists in cutting‑edge research on Vibrio. In particular, she is promoting understanding of the biology, ecology, and impact of these bacteria on global public health.

Figure 2

Overview and timeline of historically notable discoveries regarding cholera and Vibrio cholerae. Key moments are indicated by dots color‑coded on the basis of their focus: epidemiology (orange), biology and evolution (blue), virulence (purple), and ecology (green).

Figure 3

Overview and timeline of historically notable discoveries in non‑cholera Vibrio species. Key moments are color‑coded dots on the basis of their focus: epidemiology (orange), biology and evolution (blue), virulence (purple), and ecology (green).