Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae)

Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative, comma-shaped, facultative anaerobic bacterium that is the causative agent of cholera, a severe diarrheal disease. It naturally inhabits brackish or saltwater environments and infects humans through contaminated food or water. The bacterium is highly motile and possesses several virulence factors, including cholera toxin (CTX), toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP), and accessory colonization factors. It has two circular chromosomes and its gene expression is regulated by factors like cAMP receptor protein (CRP). Serogroups O1 and O139 are primarily responsible for epidemic outbreaks. Transmission occurs via ingestion of contaminated water or food, and infections can range from asymptomatic to severe, life-threatening dehydration.