Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2019

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

McCarthy, Peter J.

Abstract

Vibrio vulnificus is a marine pathogen of human health concern, capable of causing potentially fatal wound infections in a select group of the population. Previous studies have indicated this species’ strong negative correlation with salinity, not typically found above 30 ppt. This study assessed the ability of V. vulnificus to become Viable But Nonculturable in response to elevated salinity (35 ppt) as well as investigated novel methods for confirming their entrance into this state. Results showed a complete loss of culturability in both Environmental and Clinical strains of this bacterium by 9 days after inoculation. Using a High Content Imager, it was determined that these pathogens were not dying (< 10%) in response to the treatment and were partially becoming cocci (≈35%). This study indicates the importance of understanding the impact environmental parameters have on this human pathogen, and what it means for reliably detecting them.

Extent

72 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2019.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00013240

Format

pdf

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