Vibrio vulnificus

Vibrio vulnificus is the cause of 95% of all seafood-related deaths in the United States. It occurs naturally in oysters, the ingestion of which is the primary source of infection. Such infections carry a fatality rate of 50% or more, and occur primarily in males over the age of 40 who have any of several liver or blood disorders or immuno-compromising diseases (e.g. cancer). My laboratory has been studying Vibrio species for 40 years, and has worked with V. vulnificus for 36 years.  We have published over 120 scientific papers and 17 book chapters, on this human pathogen. Another 150+ scientific papers on Vibrio vulnificus and other pathogenic vibrios have been presented at national and international conferences. Other papers have been published on Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. My laboratory is internationally recognized for the study of Vibrio vulnificus, and I am consulted on a regular basis on many aspects of this bacterium and the disease it produces. Indeed, at a conference held in Rome in 2010 and sponsored jointly by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization*, I was listed as ". . . probably the foremost expert in the world on Vibrio vulnificus . . . In addition he has contributed as an advisor or expert to numerous committees on issues ranging from the taxonomy of the organism to its detection as well as its management and control."

     I have been retained in 80 cases as a consultant and expert legal witness regarding this bacterium, as well as additional cases involving related pathogenic Vibrio and Aeromonas species.

*Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meeting on Risk Assessment Tools for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus associated with seafoods. Rome, Italy. 13-17 September, 2010.

Dr. James Oliver

Professor of Biology

Bonnie Cone Distinguished Professor

Ph: (704) 687-8516 ~ Fx: (704) 687-3457

Email: jdoliver@uncc.edu

Web site: http://biology.uncc.edu/jdoliver

Department of Biology

Woodward Hall

9201 Univeristy City Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28223