Hemolysin of <em>Vibrio</em> Species

Hemolysin is one of the major pathogenic factors among Vibrio species, which shows hemolytic activity against erythrocytes. It is associated with different Vibrio spp. that manifest either wound infection or intestinal infection as their clinical symptom. V. vulnificus and V. alginolyticus are well-known causative organisms for wound infection, whereas the gastrointestinal infection is caused by V. cholerae, V. mimicus, and V. parahaemolyticus. There are two major groups of hemolysins in Vibrio spp.: the thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH) from V. parahaemolyticus and the HlyA (El Tor hemolysin) from V. cholerae. These hemolysins have homology in certain degrees; however, the essential amino acids for the activity are variable depending on the species. This chapter summarizes the functions and features of hemolysins from Vibrio species, which has been reported so far