Abstract:Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a widely distributed foodborne pathogen in seafood, often leading to diseases in aquaculture animals or food poisoning for human beings. Thermotolerant direct hemolysin (TDH) is one of the most important virulence factors of V. parahaemolyticus. This article systematically reviews the widespread distribution, spreading, the diversity and expression regulation of tdh gene, as well as the structure, biological activity and promising research directions of TDH protein. The article aims to deeply understand the symptoms caused by V. parahaemolyticus infection, and hence to provide theoretical support for the prevention and clinical treatment of V. parahaemolyticus infection.