Effect of hydrostatic pressure on growth and viability of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Six strains of marine bacteria, including three strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, two Vibrio spp isolated from coastal regions, and the deep ocean isolate Pseudomonas bathycetes, were examined for ability to survive and grow at deep ocean hydrostatic pressures. V. parahaemolyticus and the coastal Vibrio spp. were unable to survive or grow at 200, 400, 600, 800, or 1,000 atm of pressure. In contrast, the deep ocean isolate P. bathycetes was capable of survival and growth at these pressures. The evidence strongly supports the neritic or estuarine origin and habitat for V. parahaemolyticus.