The Viable but Nonculturable State for Bacteria: Status Update: This dormant form of bacteria was first appreciated in 1982; now skeptics recognize this state as a bacterial response to stress and a strategy for survival

The notion of microorganisms living in a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state originates from studies by Rita Colwell at the University of Maryland and her collaborators, whose focus was on Vibrio cholerae. Here, I summarize the early history of this field as well as some of the later studies on the genetics of the VBNC state, the role of quorum sensing in resuscitating dormant cells, and the effect global climate change is having on the spread and incidence of pathogenic vibrios. Much of this material was discussed during the symposium, “Healthy Waters, Healthy People: A Tribute to Rita Colwell,” convened during the 2015 ASM General Meeting in New Orleans, La.