Project: The Vibrio-HAB connection: Investigating interactions between harmful algal bloom species and pathogenic Vibrio species (R/HCE-4)

Investigator: Kathryn J. Coyne (University of Delaware)

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are caused by a small group of microorganisms that grow rapidly under certain environmental conditions, such as warm temperatures and increased levels of nutrient pollution. Those same environmental conditions can also lead to increasing numbers of types of bacteria belonging to the genus Vibrio. Some HAB and Vibrio outbreaks have proven harmful to human health.

Delaware Sea Grant researcher Kathryn Coyne has found Vibrio species in Delaware’s Inland Bays and is working to better understand their distribution under different environmental conditions. She also is investigating the relationships between Vibrio species and HABs, which could help local, state, and federal agencies responsible for protecting human health.

See below for the full project abstract.