Diversidad molecular de variantes patogénicas de Vibrio parahaemolyticus en el Perú / Molecular diversity in pathogenic variants of vibrio parahaemolyticus in Peru

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de determinar la diversidad de variantes patogénicas de Vibrio parahaemolyticus en el Perú durante el periodo 1995-2017, se analizaron 102 genomas peruanos (97 clínicos y 5 ambientales) empleando el esquema de tipificación multilocus y BLASTn para la búsqueda de genes de virulencia. Se identificaron 15 tipos de secuencia diferentes, encontrándose que el genotipo ST3, perteneciente al clon pandémico, fue el más abundante, con 52% (n=53); seguido por el ST120, con 23,5% (n=24); y el complejo clonal CC345, con 11,8% (n=12). Un total de 89 cepas analizadas presentaron genes que codifican la isla de patogenicidad VpaI-7 (87,3%), mientras que 96 presentaron el gen tdh (94,1%), y 6, el trh (5,9%). Durante el periodo evaluado, se resalta la predominancia del ST3, causante de un importante brote en el pasado del Perú, además de otros genotipos patógenos que representan un riesgo latente en salud pública asociado al consumo de alimentos marinos.

ABSTRACT During the period from 1995 to 2017, in order to determine the diversity of Vibrio parahaemolyticus pathogenic variants in Peru, 102 Peruvian genomes (97 from a hospital setting and 5 from an out-of-hospital setting) were analyzed using the multilocus typification scheme and BLASTn in the search for virulence genes. Fifteen different sequence types were identified. It was found that the ST3 genotype, which is found in the pandemic clone, was the most abundant, with 52% (n=53); followed by ST120, with 23.5% (n=24); and the CC345 clonal complex, with 11.8% (n=12). A total of 89 analyzed strains presented genes encoding the pathogenicity island VpaI-7 (87.3%), while 96 presented the tdh gene (94.1%), and 6 the trh gene (5.9%). The ST3 genotype was the predominant one during the evaluated period, this genotype was the cause of a major outbreak in Peru's past history. Other pathogenic genotypes found represent a latent public health risk associated with seafood consumption.

Vibrio cholerae: doença, manifestações clínicas e microbiologia / Vibrio cholerae: disease, clinical manifestations and microbiology / Vibrio cholerae: enfermedad, manifestaciones clínicas y microbiologia

Justificativa e Objetivos: A cólera é uma doença infecciosa intestinal aguda causada pela toxina do Vibrio cholerae. A transmissão é oral-fecal e ocorre predominantemente em ambientes aquáticos contaminados. Pode ser fatal, mas é facilmente evitada e tratada. Associa-se a sua propagação com a falta de saneamento básico pois cresce exponencialmente nesses ambientes. O diagnóstico é clínico-epidemiológico, laboratorial com meios seletivos para o microrganismo e teste rápido, este último não é sensível e nem especifico. O tratamento é com sais de reidratação oral e antibioticoterapia, indica-se a suplementação com zinco. Existe vacinação para Vibrio cholerae, e essa é a melhor medida para o controle da doença. As pesquisas em cólera já não são mais frequentes, pois ela é considerada uma doença de países que não são desenvolvidos. Conclusão: Nesse contexto, ainda são necessárias pesquisas sobre sistemas de esgoto, monitorização de efluentes, vigilância da qualidade da água de abastecimento público e vigilância da qualidade de alimentos.(AU)

Background and Objectives: Cholera is an acute intestinal infectious disease caused by the toxin of Vibrio cholerae. Transmission is oral-fecal and occurs predominantly in contaminated aquatic environments. It can be fatal, but it is easily avoided and treated. Its propagation is associated with lack of basic sanitation because it grows exponentially in environments. The diagnosis is clinical-epidemiological, laboratory with selective media for the micro-organism and rapid test, the latter is not sensitive or specific. Treatment is with oral rehydration salts and antibiotic therapy, zinc supplementation is indicated. There is vaccination for Vibrio cholerae, and this is the best measure for the control of the disease. Conclusion: Cholera research is no longer frequent, as it is considered a disease of countries that are not developed. In this context, research is still needed on sewage systems, effluent monitoring, public water supply quality surveillance and food quality monitoring.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: La cólera es una enfermedad infecciosa intestinal aguda causada por la toxina del Vibrio cholerae. La transmisión es oral-fecal y ocurre predominantemente en ambientes acuáticos contaminados. Puede ser fatal, pero es facilmente evitada y tratada. Se asocia su propagación con la falta de saneamiento básico pues crece exponencialmente en ambientes. El diagnóstico es clínico-epidemiológico, de laboratorio con medios selectivos para el microorganismo y la prueba rápida, este último no es sensible ni específico. El tratamiento es con sales de rehidratación oral y antibioticoterapia, se indica la suplementación con cinc. Hay vacunación para Vibrio cholerae, y esa es la mejor medida para el control de la enfermedad. Conclusión: Las investigaciones en cólera ya no son más frecuentes, ya que se considera una enfermedad de países que no se desarrollan. En este contexto todavía son necesarias investigaciones sobre sistemas de alcantarillado, monitorización de efluentes, vigilancia de la calidad del agua de abastecimiento público y vigilancia de la calidad de alimentos.(AU)

First isolation of Vibrio vulnificus causing sepsis in Santa Catarina, Brazil / Primeiro isolamento de Vibrio vulnificus causando sepse em Santa Catarina, Brasil

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium present in natural marine environments that causes infections in immunocompromised people. Sepsis in humans caused by this microorganism is usually accompanied by bullous skin lesions. In the present study we report a case of infection caused by this bacterium affecting a diabetic man, 74 years old, who fell overboard and hurt his leg. The identification of the V. vulnificus was made in the blood culture sample. This is the first report of isolation of V. vulnificus in Santa Catarina, Brazil, showing the dissemination of this bacterium in warm seawater over the world (AU)

Vibrio vulnificus é uma bactéria que se desenvolve em ambientes marinhos naturais e causa infecção em pessoas imunocomprometidas. Sepse em humanos causada por esse microrganismo é geralmente acompanhada por lesões bolhosas da pele. Relatamos um caso de infecção causada por esta bactéria que afetou um homem diabético, de 74 anos, que caiu ao mar e machucou a perna. A identificação do V. vulnificus foi feita na amostra de hemocultura. Este é o primeiro relato de isolamento de V. vulnificus em Santa Catarina, Brasil, elucidando a disseminação das bactérias de ambiente marítimo de água quente pelo mundo (AU)

Utilização comparativa de enrofloxacino, probiótico (Lactobacilus plantarum) e propionato de sódio na larvicultura de camarão branco do pacífico / Comparative use of enrofloxacin, probiotic (Lactobacillus plantarum) and sodium propionate in pacific white shrimp larvae / Utilización comparativa de enrofloxacino, probiótico (Lactobacillus plantarum) y propionato de sodio en larvicultura de camarón blanco del pacífico

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar métodos de controle e tratamento de bacterioses na larvicultura de Litopenaeus vannamei, avaliando o uso contínuo de probiótico e o uso pontual de enrofloxacino 15mg.L-1 e propionato de sódio 0,5 mM.L-1 nos momentos de metamorfose sobre os, parâmetros zootécnicos e microbiológicos (larvas e da água). Foram utilizadas 16 unidades de 60L, povoadas na densidade de 325 náuplios.5L-1, divididos em três tratamentos: enrofloxacino, probiótico, propionato de sódio e controle. O enrofloxacino e o propionato foram ministrados em protozoea 3, misis 3 e pós-larva 4 e o probiótico foi ministrado na ração ao longo de todo o experimento. O probiótico aumentou as contagens de bactérias ácido-láticas em relação aos demais tratamentos na água de cultivo (p=0,00001) e em relação ao enrofloxacino e o proprionato nas larvas (p=0,0048). A água do tratamento com probiótico apresentou menor contagem de Vibrio spp. que o enrofloxacino (p=0,0011) e as larvas tratadas com probiótico apresentaram menor contagem de Vibrio spp. que o propionato (p=0,0158). Contudo, não foi observada diferença nos índices zootécnicos avaliados. Assim, os aditivos na dose utilizada não alteram parâmetros zootécnicos da larvicultura do camarão L. vannamei.

The purpose of this study was to assess control and treatment methods for bacterial diseases in Litopenaeus vannamei, evaluating the continuous use of probiotics and occasional use of 15mg-L-1 enrofloxacin and 0.5-mM.L-1 sodium propionate at the morphological change moments on the performance and microbiological parameters of larvae and water. A total of 16 60-L units were used, stocked with 325 nauplii/5L-1, divided into three treatments and one control. Enrofloxacin and propionate were administered into protozoea 3, misis 3 and 4, and post-larvae 4, while the probiotic was administered in the feed throughout the experiment. The probiotic increased the counts of lactic acid bacteria in relation to the other treatments in the culture water (p = 0.00001) and in relation to enrofloxacin and propionate in larvae (p = 0.0048). The treatment water with probiotic had lower counts of Vibrio ssp. than enrofloxacin (p = 0.0011) and larvae treated with probiotic showed lower counts of Vibrio ssp. that propionate (p = 0.0158). However, no difference was observed in the performance indexes assessed. Thus, it can be concluded that additives in the assessed doses did not influence the performance parameters of L. vannamei.

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar métodos de control y tratamiento de enfermedades bacterianas en larvicultura de Litopenaeus vannamei, evaluando el uso continuo de probiótico y el uso puntual de 15 mg.L-1 de enrofloxacino y 0,5 mM.L-1 de propionato de sodio en momentos de metamorfosis sobre los parámetros zootécnicos y microbiológicos (larvas y del agua). Se han utilizado 16 unidades de 60L, pobladas en la densidad de 325 nauplios.5L-1, divididos en tres tratamientos: enrofloxacino, probiótico, propionato de sodio y control. El enrofloxacino y el propionato fueron suministrados en protozoea 3, misis 3 y postlarva 4 y el probiótico suministrado en alimento durante el transcurso del experimento. El probiótico aumentó el contaje de bacterias ácido-lácticas en correlación a los demás tratamientos en agua de cultivo (p=0,0001) y las larvas en relación al enrofloxacino y el propionato en las larvas (p=0,0048). El agua del tratamiento con probiótico presentó menor contaje de Vibrio spp. que el enrofloxacino (p=0,0011) y las larvas tratadas con probiótico presentaron menor contaje de Vibrio spp. que el propionato (p=0,0158). Sin embargo, no se ha observado diferencia en los índices zootécnicos de larvicultura de camarón L. vannamei.

Factores que inciden en la mortalidad del camarón marino en cooperativas del sector El Zompopero, Bahía de Jiquilisco, Usulután, El Salvador / Factors that affect the mortality of marine shrimp in cooperatives of El Zompopo area, Bahía de Jiquilisco, Usulután, El Salvador

El sector El Zompopero ubicado en la Bahía de Jiquilisco Usulután, es un núcleo productivo integrado por cinco cooperativas que se dedican al cultivo de camarón blanco de la especie Litopenaeus vannamei. Los miembros que integran las cooperativas son familias desmovilizadas de la guerra civil de El Salvador, a quienes se les repartieron tierras en esta zona costera como estrategia de reinserción a la vida productiva. Cuentan con un total de 21 estanques de tierra, que cubren un área de cultivo de 84.3 hectáreas y realizan tres ciclos de cultivo de camarón al año. Actualmente este sector productivo enfrenta serios problemas debido a la alta mortalidad que se registra en cada ciclo productivo. Por esta razón, la Escuela de Ciencias del Mar del Centro Regional MEGATEC La Unión realizó un proyecto de investigación aplicada para diagnosticar las principales causas que generan la mortalidad en los cultivos, así como el impacto económico y social que perciben las familias que se dedican a la producción de camarón. A través del diagnóstico se identificaron 5 causas externas y 15 internas que afectaron la producción en las granjas camaroneras en el año 2014. Las causas están asociadas al manejo del cultivo y a las condiciones de infraestructura de los estanques en las cooperativas

El Zompopero zone located in Jiquilisco Bay in Usulután, is a productive center formed by five farm cooperatives dedicated to the white shrimp farming, Litopenaeus vannamei species. The members forming the cooperatives are demobilized families from the civil conflict in El Salvador who were distributed lands in this coastal area as a reinsertion into productive life strategy. They currently have a total of 21 earth ponds with a farming area of 84.3 hectares that allow three shrimp farming cycles a year. At the moment, this productive area is facing serious problems due to the high mortality rate registered every productive cycle. Thy is why, the Marine Science School at the regional Centre MEGATEC in La Unión, implemented an applied research project to identify the main reasons causing farming mortality, as well as the economic and social impact in the families dedicated to shrimp farm production. The research identified 5 external causes and 15 internal ones that affected shrimp farm production in the year 2014. These causes are related to farming handling and to the conditions of the ponds infrastructure in the cooperatives.

The expression of heterologous MAM-7 in Lactobacillus rhamnosus reduces its intrinsic capacity to inhibit colonization of pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus in vitro

BACKGROUND: Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a Gram-negative, halophilic bacterium recognized as one of the most important foodborne pathogen. When ingested, V. parahaemolyticus causes a self-limiting illness (Vibriosis), characterized mainly by watery diarrhoea. Treatment is usually oral rehydration and/or antibiotics in complicated cases. Since 1996, the pathogenic and pandemic V. parahaemolyticus O3:K6 serotype has spread worldwide, increasing the reported number of vibriosis cases. Thus, the design of new strategies for pathogen control and illness prevention is necessary. Lactobacillus sp. grouped Gram positive innocuous bacteria, part of normal intestinal microbiota and usually used as oral vaccines for several diarrheic diseases. Recombinants strains of Lactobacillus (RL) expressing pathogen antigens can be used as part of an anti-adhesion strategy where RL block the pathogen union sites in host cells. Thus, we aimed to express MAM-7 V. parahaemolyticus adhesion protein in Lactobacillus sp. to generate an RL that prevents pathogen colonization RESULTS: We cloned the MAM-7 gene from V. parahaemolyticus RIMD 2210633 in Lactobacillus expression vectors. Recombinant strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus pSEC-MAM7 and L. rhamnosus pCWA-MAM7) adhered to CaCo-2 cells and competed with the pathogen. However, the L. rhamnosus wild type strain showed the best capacity to inhibit pathogen colonization in vitro. In addition, LDH-assay showed that recombinant strains were cytotoxic compared with the wild type isogenic strain CONCLUSIONS: MAM-7 expression in lactobacilli reduces the intrinsic inhibitory capacity of L. rhamnosus against V. parahaemolyticus.

Vibrio vulnificus infection in Southern Brazil - Case report / Infecção por Vibrio vulnificus no sul do Brasil - Relato de caso

The genus Vibrio is a member of the family Vibrionaceae, and among their disease-causing species, Vibrio vulnificus, a lactose-positive gram-negative bacillus, is one of the most virulent pathogen of the noncholerae vibrios. We describe the case of a 39-year-old male patient, who was using immunosuppressive therapy, admitted to the hospital for liver transplantation. Twelve hours later, the patient presented high fever, myalgia, anuria and erythematous plaques on lower limbs, of rapid growth and proximal progression. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone, meropenem and oxacillin, however he expired within 30 hours. Blood cultures showed growth of a gram-negative bacillus, which was later identified as Vibrio vulnificus.

O gênero Vibrio é membro da família Vibrionaceae, e entre as espécies patogênicas, Vibrio vulnificus, bacilo gram negativo lactose positivo, tem sido frequentemente citado. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente masculino de 39 anos, em uso de medicação imunossupressora, admitido no hospital para transplante hepático. Doze horas após a internação, o paciente evoluiu com febre, mialgias, anúria e placas eritematosas em membros inferiores, com rápido crescimento e evolução proximal. O paciente foi tratado com ceftriaxona, meropenem e oxacilina sem melhora, evoluindo para óbito em 30 horas. Hemocultura mostrou crescimento de bacilo gram negativo posteriormente identificado como Vibrio vulnificus.

Accurate diagnosis and treatment of Vibrio vulnificus infection: a retrospective study of 12 cases

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Vibrio vulnificus causes an infectious disease that has extremely poor convalescence and leads to necrotic fasciitis. In this study, we sought to define the characteristic epidemiology of V. vulnificus infection and clarify its diagnosis at the global level. METHODS: Over a period of 10 years, we investigated the appearance of symptoms, underlying conditions, treatment, and mortality in 12 patients (eight men, four women; >50 years old; average age, 66 years,) infected with V. vulnificus. RESULTS: The development of symptoms occurred primarily between June and September, a period during which seawater temperature rises and the prevalence of V. vulnificus increases. All patients had underlying diseases, and seven patients reported a history of consuming fresh fish and uncooked shellfish. The patients developed sepsis and fever with sharp pain in the limbs. Limb abnormalities were observed on visual examination. All patients underwent debridement; however, in the survival group, the involved limb was amputated early in 80% patients. The mortality rate was 58.3%. CONCLUSION: Recognition of the characteristic epidemiology and clinical features of this disease is important, and positive debridement should be performed on suspicion. When the illness reaches an advanced stage, however, amputation should be the immediate treatment of choice.

Sepsis por Vibrio vulnificus: reporte de dos casos en ciudades de altura en el Ecuador / Vibrio vulnificus sepsis: report of two cases in high altitude cities from Ecuador

La infección por Vibrio vulnifcus está generalmente relacionada con el contacto de heridas con agua de mar y el consumo de mariscos bivalvos. No se han publicado hasta la fecha casos causados por Vibrio vulnifcus en el Ecuador. Presentación de los casos Se describen dos casos de sepsis fatal. El primer caso fue un hombre de 69 años, residente en Ibarra (2220 m.s.n.m.), que tenía como enfermedad de base diabetes mellitus tipo 2, artritis reumatoide y hepatopatía. El segundo fue un hombre de 26 años, residente en Quito (2800 m.s.n.m.), con antecedente de anemia aplásica bajo tratamiento. Ambos pacientes ingresaron febriles y presentaron un deterioro rápidamente progresivo, sin respuesta al manejo de soporte y antibiótico-terapia en cuidados intensivos, falleciendo en menos de 48 horas posteriores a su ingreso. En los hemocultivos se identifcó la presencia de Vibrio vulnifcus. Conclusión El reporte de estos casos pone en alerta la presencia de esta bacteria como causa de sepsis en pacientes con factores de riesgo. El reconocimiento oportuno del cuadro clínico, el tratamiento de soporte, terapia antibiótica y un equipo multidisciplinario, son pilares fundamentales en el manejo de este tipo de infecciones.

Vibrio vulnifcus infection usually is related to the contact of wounds with seawater and bivalve shellfsh consumption. Non-cases has been published of this infection in Ecuador. Case Report Two cases of septic shock are described. The frst case was a man (69 years old) from Ibarra city (2220 m.s.l.) who had diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and liver disease. The second case was a man (26 years old) resident in Quito city (2800 m.s.l.) with a history of treated aplastic anemia. Both patients were admitted febrile and showed a fast and progressive deterioration, without response to support management and antibiotic therapy in the intensive care unit. They died within 48 hours after admission. Blood cultures were positive for Vibrio vulnifcus. Conclusion The report of these cases must put on alert for the presence of this bacterium as a cause of sepsis in patients with risk factors. Early recognition of clinical data, the supportive management, antibiotic therapy and a multidisciplinary team are essentials for the outcome.

Effect of combined function of temperature and water activity on the growth of Vibrio harveyi

Vibrio harveyi is considered as a causative agent of the systemic disease, vibriosis, which occurs in many biological fields. The effects of temperatures (12.9-27.1 ºC) and water activity (NaCl% 0.6%-3.4%) on V. harveyi were investigated. The behavior and growth characteristics of V. harveyi was studied and modeled. Growth curves were fitted by using Gompertz and Baranyi models, and the Baranyi model showed a better fittness. Then, the maximum growth rates (µmax) and lag phase durations (LPD, λ) obtained from both Gompertz and Baranyi model were modeled as a combination function of temperature and water activity using the response surface and Arrhenius-Davey models for secondary model. The value of r², MSE, bias and accuracy factor suggest Baranyi model has better fitness than Gompertz model. Furthermore, validation of the developed models with independent data from ComBase also shown better interrelationship between observed and predicted growth parameter when using Baranyi model.

Peritonitis bacteriana espontánea asociada a bacteriemia por Vibrio cholerae no O1, no O139 / Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis associated with Vibrio cholerae non-O1, non-139 bacteremia

Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative bacilli with curved, comma shape that belongs to the family Vibrionaceae. The antigenic structure consists of a flagellar H antigen and a somatic O antigen (used to classify V cholerae in various serogroups). Serogroups 01 and 0139 have caused epidemics of cholera. Vibrio cholerae non-01 non-139 has been isolated from patients with bacteremia, acute secretory diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever and cellulitis. Invasive forms such as meningitis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) and encephalitis are uncommon. Immunosuppression and cirrhosis are risk factors for developing invasive disease. This case report describes a cirrhotic patient from Salta, Argentina, consulting for abdominal pain and fever. He was diagnosed with SBP and Vibrio cholerae non-01 non-139 bacteremia. He received antibiotic treatment with third generation cephalosporins for fourteen days with favorable clinical outcome.

Vibrio cholerae es un bacilo gramnegativo, curvo y móvil, perteneciente a la familia Vibrionaceae, que presenta antígenos flagelares H y somático O; este último permite clasificarlo en numerosos serogrupos. Los serogrupos O1 y O139 han causado epidemias de cólera. Vibrio cholerae serogrupo no O1, no O139 es no aglutinable con el antisuero específico y se manifiesta clínicamente como bacteriemias, diarrea acuosa, disentería, dolor abdominal, náuseas, vómitos, fiebre y celulitis. Raramente se describen formas invasoras tales como meningitis, peritonitis bacteriana espontánea (PBE) y cerebritis, entre otras. Dentro de los factores de riesgo para desarrollar enfermedad invasora se encuentran la inmunodepresión y la cirrosis hepática. Comunicamos el caso de un paciente procedente de la provincia de Salta, Argentina, con antecedentes de cirrosis hepática, que consulta por dolor abdominal y fiebre, en el que se diagnóstica PBE asociada a bacteriemia por Vibrio cholerae no 01, no 0139. Recibió tratamiento con cefalosporinas de tercera generación iv, por catorce días con una evolución clínica favorable.

Gastroenteritis aguda causada por Vibrio cholerae no-O1, no-O139 que porta una región homologa a la isla de patogenicidad VpaI-7 / Acute gastroenteritis caused by a Vibrio cholerae non-O1, non-O139 strain harboring a genetic region homologous to the VpaI-7 pathogenicity island

Pathogenic Vibrio cholerae isolates, the etiologic agents of cholera, generally express one of two O antigens (O1 or O139). Most environmental isolates are nonpathogenic and are referred to as "non-O1, non-O139". However some V. cholerae non-O1, non-O139 strains are clearly pathogenic and have caused outbreaks or sporadic cases of gastroenteritis and extraintestinal infections in humans. We report a case of acute gastroenteritis by a V. cholerae non-O1, non-O139 harboring a genetic region homologous to a segment of the VpaI-7 V. parahaemolyticus pathogenicity island.

Cepas patogénicas de Vibrio cholerae, el agente causal del cólera, expresan generalmente uno de dos antígenos O (denominados O1 u O139). La mayoría de las cepas ambientales son no patogénicas y corresponden al tipo denominado "no-O1, no-O139". Sin embargo, algunas cepas de este tipo son claramente patogénas y han causado brotes de gastroenteritis e infecciones extra-intestinales en humanos. Se reporta un caso clínico de gastroenteritis aguda causado por una cepa de V. cholerae no-O1, no-O139 que contiene en su genoma una región homóloga a un segmento de la isla de patogenicidad VpaI-7 descrita previamente en V. parahaemolyticus.

Distribution of Vibrio alginolyticus-like species in Shenzhen coastal waters, China

We investigated the distribution of vibrios in Shenzhen coastal waters in order to obtain valuable information for the aquaculture industry and a health warning system. Quantities of vibrios from surface waters ranged from 0 to 4.40×10(4) CFUs mL-1 in April (spring), while from 0 to 2.57×10³ CFUs mL-1 in September (autumn); the abundance of V. alginolyticus-like species from surface water ranged from 0 to 6.72×10³ CFUs mL-1 in April (spring) and from 0 to 1.28×10³ CFUs mL-1 in September (autumn); higher counts were observed in spring. The V. alginolyticus-like species was dominant in Shenzhen coastal waters, with the highest abundance in the clean region (stations YMK001 and GDN064) in April, suggesting that Vibrio spp. were naturally occurring bacteria in marine environments. The correlation between the abundance of vibrios (including V. alginolyticus-like species) and environmental factors varied in different regions and different seasons. There were no vibrios detected when the salinity was less than 11.15ë in the Zhujiang River estuary, which indicated that salinity played a key role in the distribution of vibrios and V. alginolyticus-like species.

Bacteriemia por Vibrio cholerae no-O1, no-O139 en un paciente en hemodiálisis crónica / Non-O1, non-O139 Vibrio cholerae bacteremia in a chronic hemodialysis patient

Vibrio cholerae no-O1, no-O139 es un agente poco frecuente como causal de bacteriemias y no hay informes que documenten su presencia en pacientes en hemodiálisis crónica. Se describe el caso de una paciente en hemodiálisis crónica que presentó un cuadro de sepsis, por lo cual inició un tratamiento con vancomicina y ceftacidima. Al cabo de seis horas y media de incubación en el sistema BACT/ALERT de hemocultivo, se evidenció la presencia de bacilos curvos gram negativos, posteriormente identificados como Vibrio cholerae mediante pruebas bioquímicas convencionales y el uso de los kits API 20 NE y VITEK 2. La evaluación del serogrupo y de la presencia de factores de patogenicidad, realizada en el laboratorio de referencia, determinó que el microorganismo hallado pertenecía al serogrupo no-O1, no-O139. No se detectó la toxina de cólera, tampoco el factor de colonización ni la toxina termoestable. El aislamiento presentó sensibilidad frente a ampicilina, trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol, ciprofloxacina, tetraciclina, ceftacidima y cefotaxima por el método de difusión con discos y por VITEK 2. La paciente cumplió 14 días de tratamiento con ceftacidima endovenosa, con evolución favorable.

Non-O1, and non-O139 Vibrio cholerae is an infrequent cause of bacteremia. There are no reports of such bacteremia in chronic hemodialysis patients. This work describes the case of a chronic hemodialysis patient that had an episode of septicemia associated with dialysis. Blood cultures were obtained and treatment was begun with vancomycin and ceftazidime. After 6.5 hours of incubation in the Bact/Alert system there is evidence of gram-negative curved bacilli that were identified as Vibrio cholerae by conventional biochemical tests, API 20 NE and the VITEK 2 system. This microorganism was sent to the reference laboratory for evaluation of serogroup and virulence factors and was identified as belonging to the non-O1 and non-O139 serogroup. The cholera toxin, colonization factor and heat-stable toxin were not detected. The isolate was susceptible to ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, ceftazidime and cefotaxime by the disk diffusion method and the VITEK 2 system. The patient received intravenous ceftazidime for a 14 day- period and had a favorable outcome.

Factores ambientales vinculados con la aparición y dispersión de las epidemias de Vibrio en América del Sur / Environmental drivers of emergence and spreading of Vibrio epidemics in South America

El Vibrio cholerae y el V. parahaemolyticus son las principales especies de Vibrio que ocasionan infecciones en seres humanos. Las infecciones causadas por estos dos patógenos están teniendo una creciente importancia debido a su imparable expansión a nivel mundial. En el presente artículo se resumen los aspectos ecológicos asociados con la llegada y dispersión de las epidemias por V. parahaemolyticus y V. cholera en Perú desde una perspectiva sudamericana. De igual forma, se discute las similitudes en la aparición del cólera en 1991 y las infecciones por V. parahaemolyticus en 1997 en Perú, que sirvieron como experimentos únicos para analizar la relación entre las epidemias de Vibrio y los cambios en el medio ambiente. Estas dos radiaciones epidémicas constituyen unos claros ejemplos que apoyan la teoría de la dispersión oceánica de vibrios patógenos y permiten identificar a los episodios de El Niño como un mecanismo potencial de transmisión de enfermedades a través del océano.

Vibrio cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus are the two Vibrio species with a major impact on human health. Diseases caused by both pathogens are acquiring increasing relevance due to their expansion at global scale. In this paper, we resume the ecological aspects associated with the arrival and spreading of infections caused by V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae in Peru from a South American perspective. Moreover, we discuss the similarities in the emergence in Peru of cholera cases in 1991 and V. parahaemolyticus infections in 1997. These constituted exceptional experiments to evaluate the relationships between the Vibrio epidemics and changes in the environment. The epidemic radiations of V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus constitute to clear examples supporting the oceanic dispersion of pathogenic vibrios and have enabled the identification of El Niño events as a potential mechanism for the spreading of diseases through the ocean.

Experiencias en la vigilancia epidemiológica de agentes patógenos transmitidos por alimentos a través de electroforesis en campo pulsado (PFGE) en el Perú / Experiences in the epidemiological surveillance of foodborne pathogens by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) in Peru

Las enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos (ETA) y otras enfermedades entéricas infecciosas ocurren a menudo como brotes y son causa de morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo. En el Perú, son un importante problema de salud pública y son causados por una gran variedad de agentes infecciosos. Para la investigación epidemiológica se utiliza una variedad de métodos de tipificación. Una de las herramientas más importantes en la subtipificación molecular de patógenos bacterianos es la técnica de la electroforesis en campo pulsado (PFGE), que es un método altamente resolutivo que permite la discriminación entre diferentes aislamientos bacterianos epidemiológicamente relacionados. El Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) del Perú integra las redes WHO Global Foodborne Infections Network y la Red PulseNet América Latina y Caribe, con quienes comparte los perfiles genéticos de las cepas patógenas aisladas, permitiendo comparar los genotipos de cepas semejantes halladas en diferentes países y reconocer la ocurrencia de brotes epidémicos en la región, fortaleciendo el sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica regional y generando una rápida respuesta conjunta entre países. Se presenta la experiencia de los dos últimos años sobre los avances en la utilización de estas herramientas estratégicas que nos ha permitido caracterizar patrones de genotipo de principales patógenos implicados en ETA a partir de aislamientos recuperados de la red de laboratorios del Perú.

Foodborne diseases and other enteric infections often occur as outbreaks and cause morbidity and mortality all over the world. In Perú, they represent a serious public health problem, and are caused by a great variety of infectious agents. For epidemiological research, a wide array of typification methods are used. One of the most important tools for the molecular subtyping of bacterial pathogens is the Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), which is a highly precise method that allows the discrimination between different bacterial isolates which are epidemiologically related. The Instituto Nacional de Salud del Perú (INS) is part of the WHO Global Foodborne Infections Network (WHO-GFN) and of the PulseNet Latin American and Caribbean Net (PN-AL & C), with whom it shares the genetic profiles of the isolated pathogenic strains, so that it is possible to compare de genotypes of similar strains found in different countries and to identify the occurrence of epidemic outbreaks in the region, strengthening the regional system of epidemiological surveillance and generating a rapid, coordinated response between the countries. We present the two last years´ experience including the advances in the use of these strategic tools that have allowed us to characterize genotype patterns implicated in foodborne diseases from isolates recovered in the laboratory network of Peru.

Isolation and experimental infection with Vibrio alginolyticus in the sea horse, Hippocampus reidi Ginsburg, 1933 (Osteichthyes: Syngnathidae) in Brazil / Isolamento e infecção experimental de Vibrio alginolyticus em cavalo-marinho, Hippocampus reidi Ginsburg, 1933 (Osteichthyes: Syngnathidae) no Brasil

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathogenicity of Vibrio alginolyticus isolated from an outbreak of sea horse Hippocampus reidi reared in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, by experimental infection. Sea horses with necrosis on the mouth epithelium were collected from aquaria at the Aquaculture Department, UFSC and the bacterium isolated from the mouth, liver, heart and blood in tiosulphate citrate bilesalt sucrose agar broth. The strains were identified by API 20E kit with 99.1 percent probability as Vibrio alginolyticus. Twelve adult sea horses (9.63 ± 2.42 g and 15.12 ± 0.87 cm) were distributed in six aquaria of 10 L capacity with aerated sea water. Fish from three aquaria were submitted to an immersion bath in a solution containing 1.0 × 10(7) CFU of V. alginolyticus/mL for 15 minutes. Fish from the other three aquaria received the same procedure without bacteria. Twenty four hours after this challenge, 100 percent mortality was observed in the animals infected with V. alginolyticus. No mortality was observed in non-infected fish. Hyperplasia, displacement and fusion of secondary lamellae of the gills; leukocyte infiltration and necrotic foci in the kidney; hyperplasia, sinusoidal deformation and necrotic foci in the liver were observed in histopathological analysis. The V. alginolyticus isolated in this study was pathogenic to H. reidi and constitutes an important sanitary problem to its culture.

Foi avaliado por meio de infecção experimental a patogenicidade de Vibrio alginolyticus isolado de um surto de enfermidade em cavalo-marinho Hippocampus reidi cultivado no Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Os peixes com necroses no epitélio bucal foram coletados em aquários do Departamento de Aquicultura, UFSC e as bactérias isoladas da boca, fígado, coração e sangue em meio Agar tiossulfato citrato bile sacarose. Os isolados foram identificados pelo kit API 20E como Vibrio alginolyticus com 99,1 por cento de probabilidade. Doze peixes adultos (9,63 ± 2,42 g e 15,12 ± 0,87 cm) foram distribuídos em seis aquários de 10 L com água marinha e aeração. Peixes de três aquários foram submetidos a um banho de imersão por 15 minutos em uma solução contendo 1,0 × 10(7) UFC de V. alginolyticus/mL. Nos outros três aquários realizou-se o mesmo procedimento sem a bactéria. Vinte e quatro horas após o desafio, 100 por cento de mortalidade foi observada nos animais infectados com V. alginolyticus. Não houve mortalidade nos peixes não infectados. Nas análises histopatológicas, foi observado hiperplasia, deslocamento do epitélio e fusão das lamelas secundárias das brânquias; infiltração de leucócitos e necrose no rim; hiperplasia, deformação sinusoidal e necrose no fígado nos animais desafiados com V. alginolyticus. O V. alginolyticus isolado neste estudo foi patogênico para H. reidi, constituindo-se de um importante problema para seu cultivo.

Inhibition of shrimp pathogenic vibrios by extracellular compounds from a proteolytic bacterium Pseudomonas sp. W3 / Inhibición de vibrios patógenos del camarón por compuestos extracelulares de una bacterias proteolítica Pseudomonas sp.W3

Pseudomonas sp. W3, a bacterium known to produce an extracellular alkaline protease, secreted secondary metabolites that inhibited pathogenic bacteria responsible for shrimp luminous vibriosis disease. Antivibrio compounds in the culture supernatant or culture filtrates (0.45 um and 0.22 um) of the isolate W3 were tested using an agar well diffusion method on a number of pathogenic vibrios. Vibrio harveyi PSU 2015 a pathogenic isolate was the most sensitive strain. The effectiveness of preparations from the isolate W3 against V. harveyi PSU 2015, and V. cholerae PSSCMI 0062 was in the order of culture supernatant > 0.45 um culture filtrate > 0.22 um culture filtrate. These extracellular antivibrio compounds also lysed both dead and living cells of V. harveyi PSU 2015. Results of the partial characterization tests indicated that there was some particulate antivibrio compound that was destroyed by treatment with enzymes particularly alpha-chymotrypsin, autoclaving at 121ºC for 15 min and was mostly removed by filtration through a 0.22 µm filter. Most of the inhibitory compounds were of small molecular weight able to pass through a 0.22 um filter and were resistant to treatment with various enzymes, pH values between 4-8 and temperatures up to 121ºC for 30 min. The optimum pH for the antivibrio activity in the 0.45 um culture filtrate was between pH 6-7.

Bacteriemia por Vibrio parahaemolyticus: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteremia: case report and literature review

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a facultative anaerobio gram negative rod responsible of sea food-associated diarr-hoea. Although less common, it also causes wound infections and bacteraemia. We present a case of bacteraemia by this agent and a review of the literature.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus es un bacilo gram negativo, anaerobio facultativo, responsable de brotes de síndrome diarreico agudo por ingestión de mariscos crudos o mal cocidos contaminados. Ocasionalmente. se ha reportado asociado a infección de heridas y sepsis. Se reporta un caso clínico de bacteriemia por este microorganismo y se realiza una revisión de la literatura.

Caracterización de aislamientos de Vibrio cholerae no-O1, no-O139 asociados a cuadros de diarrea / Characterization of Vibrio cholerae non-O1 and non-O139 isolates associated with diarrhea

La infección por Vibrio cholerae, el agente causal del cólera, se trasmite al hombre por ingestión de agua y alimentos contaminados. Aunque son los serogrupos O1 y O139 los que habitualmente se asocian al cólera epidémico, los aislamientos de otros serogrupos también son causales de gastroenteritis e infecciones extra-intestinales. Durante el período 2003-2005, se investigó la presencia de V. cholerae en la materia fecal de niños con diarrea atendidos en el Hospital del Niño Jesús, Tucumán. Se recuperaron 34 aislamientos de V. cholerae no-O1, no-O139. Se determinaron sus perfiles de virulencia por PCR, la sensibilidad a los antimicrobianos y la diversidad genética por electroforesis en campo pulsado. Se obtuvieron ocho perfiles de virulencia, aunque ningún aislamiento fue positivo para la toxina colérica ni para la toxina termoestable. Cuatro aislamientos fueron positivos para el sistema de secreción de tipo tres. El 17,6% de los aislamientos fueron resistentes o de sensibilidad intermedia a ampicilina y el 5,9% fueron resistentes a trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol. Los aislamientos resultaron muy diversos: se hallaron 27 patrones distintos en 29 aislamientos tipificables por electroforesis en campo pulsado. A pesar de su baja incidencia, V. cholerae continúa siendo un agente causal de diarrea en niños, los que se ven afectados por una amplia variedad de cepas circulantes.

Vibrio cholerae, etiologic agent of cholera, is transmitted to humans by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Even though serogroups O1 and O139 are the ones usually associated to epidemic cholera, isolates from other serogroups also cause gastroenteritis and extraintestinal infections. During the period 2003-2005, presence of V. cholerae in stools was investigated in children with diarrhea that seaked assistance at the Niño Jesús Hospital in Tucumán. Thirty four isolates of V. cholerae non-O1, non-O139 were recovered. We characterized the isolates studying its virulence factors by PCR, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and genetic diversity by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Eight virulence patterns were obtained although no isolate was positive for the cholera toxin or the thermostable toxin. Four isolates were positive for the type three secretion system. The 17.6% of the isolates were resistant or intermediate to ampicillin and 5.9% were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. By SfiI-PFGE, all isolates were genetically very diverse, as 27 different patterns were identified in 29 typeable isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Although it has a low incidence, V. cholerae continues to be a causative agent of diarrhea in children, who are affected by a variety of circulating strains of V. cholerae non-O1, non-O139.