Vibrio-bivalve interactions and the emergence of epidemic V. parahaemolyticus

• Applicant: Dr. Carsten Matz
• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: from 2006 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 25616745

The number of worldwide infections caused by marine pathogenic Vibrio spp. have steadily increased in recent years. Among them are serious human pathogens, such as V. parahaemolyticus which causes severe shellfish-borne gastroenteritis. The emergence of new highly pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus clones and their pandemic spread raise the question for the environmental determinants leading to the persistence and evolution of pathogenic strains. The aim of this project is to investigate the adaptive mechanisms and selective forces favoring growth and survival of V. parahaemolyticus in marine bivalves. Given the close association of V. parahaemolyticus with bivalves, it is hypothesized that adaptations to the bivalve host drive the evolution of virulence traits and enhance the human-pathogenic potential of V. parahaemolyticus. Of special interest will be the study of adaptive strategies to colonize and invade bivalve tissues and to resist clearance by the hemolymph. The work is expected to yield fundamental knowledge on the role of Vibrio-bivalve interactions in the evolution of human-pathogenic clones and will contribute to understanding mechanisms of transmission and infection of an emerging food-borne pathogen.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants