Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an important foodborne pathogen, of which the 03:K6 serotype caused many outbreaks in different countries since 1996. Based on the 10 years data (1992-2001) from China, gastroenteritis caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus accounted for 31.1% of foodborne disease outbreaks that were resulted from microorganisms. Most environmental strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus are non-pathogenic strains. However, clinical strains can producethermostable direct hemolysin (TDH), TDH-related hemolysin, and other virulence factors. Here we reviewed three commonly used molecular markers for Vibrio parahaemolyticus, including species-specific genes, the virulence genes and pandemic group-specific genes, so that to provide references for the rapid detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and the identification of its pathogenic factor.