Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found an infectious bacterium living in the ocean, which cause the oysters and shellfish cells to burst, in turn providing the bacterium with a nutritious meal. The bacterium is a relative of the cholera bacteria and by co-dependent living, causes the hosts cell process of recycling expendable protein into a fatality instead.

The bacterium is named Vibrio parahaemolyticus, or V para, and is already a cause of many human diseases and economic downfall in Asian countries. Primarily dangerous to those with liver diseases or hampered immune systems, the bacterium can be completely destroyed by cooking seafood throughly.

By uncovering the attack mechanism of the V para, researchers are better prepared to prevent and treat diseases caused by the bacterium. Mostly borne in seawater and seafood, the CDC and the US Food & Drug Administration warns people to be aware of what they consume and to keep open wound away from seawater contact.