Fig 1. A comprehensive model for V. vulnificus environmental and pathogenic life cycles.

V. vulnificus exists in coastal waters, where it exchanges genetic material via HGT, continuously forming new strains. Via GbpA, V. vulnificus binds to chitin in the ocean, which is consumed by filter-feeders such as oysters, which are in turn consumed by humans. Depending on the strain, V. vulnificus may go on to become pathogenic to humans via several known virulence factors and likely other unidentified factors.