VDM Lee, C: A Common Virulence Plasmid in Eel-Pathogenic Vibrio

This is the first book describing the pathogenic basis of biotype 2 Vibrio vulnificus in eels and providing information that could be used in developing strategies against V. vulnificus infection in anguilliculture. The anguilliculture in Asia and Europe has been threatened by this organism for over 30 years. The eel is a kind of high-valued fish and is unable to be artificially bred, which makes V. vulnificus infections in anguilliculture a cause of vast economic loss. In this research, genetic approaches were employed to show that a common plasmid present in all eel-pathogenic strains is required for this pathogen to survive in the eel blood and further kill the host. Moreover, this plasmid can be disseminated with the help of another plasmid. Hor, Lien-I, Professor, National Cheng-Kung University, Taiwan, said: The exploration of virulence mechanisms of V. vulnificus, an important opportunistic pathogen causing severe systemic infections in both humans and eels, is a continuing fascinating adventure. The work accomplished in this study by collaborators in Taiwan and Spain is a big step forward in this great journey.