Construction of a Vibrio splendidus mutant lacking the metalloprotease gene vsm by use of a novel counterselectable suicide vector

Article Abstract:

A novel suicide vector based technique which was developed based on the pir-dependent R6K replicative origin was used to construct several mutants of Vibrio splendidus LGP32, including a derivative with a secreted metalloprotease gene, vsm, deleted. It was found that this gene is essential for LGP32 extracellular product toxicity when the extracellular products are injected into oysters but is not necessary for virulence of bacteria in the oyster infection model when bacteria are injected.

Science & research, Research, Gene mutations, Gene mutation, Metalloproteins

A persistent, productive and seasonally dynamic vibriophage population within Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

Article Abstract:

Abundances of Vibrio spp. and viruses infecting Vibrio parahaemolyticus were monitored for a year in Pacific oysters and water collected from Ladysmith Harbor, British Columbia, Canada in an effort to understand the relationship between Vibrio and vibriophage populations. Results show that oysters are likely one of the major sources of viruses infecting V. parahaemolyticus in oysters and in the water column.

Canada, Genetic research

Role of type IV pilins in persistence of Vibrio vulnificus in Crassostrea virginica oysters

Article Abstract:

The role of type IV pilins in persistence of Vibrio vulnificus in Crassostrea virginica oysters was studied. It was found that the loss of PilD or PilA significantly reduces the ability of Vibrio vulnifucs to persist in Crassostrea virginica over a 66-hour interval suggesting that pili expressed by this bacterium play a role in colonization or persistence in oysters.

Physiological aspects