Genus of bacteria containing 11 naturally?occurring species, some of which have the potential to cause rapid and sometimes life?threatening infections in humans. Vibrio vulnificus, an estuarine species, favors warm saline conditions in Texas bays.

Bacteria of the genus Vibrio are Gram-negative rods, with comma-shaped cells. Typically found in saltwater, Vibrio are oxidase positive, facultatively anaerobic, and do not form spores. All members of the genus are motile, typically with a single, polar flagellum (monotrichous).