NIEHS Grant: R01ES030317

Vibrio are bacteria that live in coastal and marine environments, and some Vibrio species can infect humans and cause illnesses. People are exposed when they eat seafood contaminated with the bacteria or come in contact with or drink contaminated water. Researchers from the University of Maryland, College Park are measuring the prevalence of pathogenic V. cholerae, V. vulnificus, and V. parahaemolyticus in the Chesapeake Bay to identify environmental reservoirs, such as plankton and oysters, that may be sources of human exposures. Investigators are also studying how climate events like extreme heat affect the prevalence of Vibrio species. Using this information, the research team will develop satellite-based risk models to predict Vibrio illness outbreaks under different conditions. Research findings will inform adaption strategies and increase community resilience to Vibrio illness outbreaks.