Prevalence and virulence of Vibrio species isolated from raw shrimp from retail markets in Reynosa, Mexico.

In this study, the prevalence of Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio mimicus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio spp. in shrimp from retail markets in Reynosa, Mexico was determined. A total of 765 isolates, identified as Vibrio spp. (59·1%), V. cholerae (17·8%), V. mimicus (6·7%) and V. parahaemolyticus (4·6%), were obtained; V. vulnificus was not detected. Most of the strains were isolated from supermarkets (48·1%), followed by street vendors (37·3%) and retail stores (14·6%). Moreover, several virulence genes were identified in V. cholerae: toxR (100%), OmpU (76·5%), hlyA (76·5%), VPI (19·9%) and tcpA (5·1%); in V. mimicus: vmh (100%), wzb (74·5%), pilF (54·9%), VPI (43·1%), OmpU (29·4%) and tdh (9·8%); and in V. parahaemolyticus: toxR (100%), tlh (100%), VP1680 (51·4%) and VPI (11·4%). These results show the low safety of this food and the potential risk to consumers' health, since this product in Mexican cuisine is sometimes served raw or semi-cooked. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study shows the prevalence of pathogenic Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio mimicus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from shrimp that is commercialized in Reynosa city. This could represent a risk to consumers' health, since outbreaks related to shrimp contaminated with Vibrio have been previously reported. Additionally, shrimp fishing has a major role in Mexico's economy.

Isolation and identification of Vibrio species in the Rio Bravo/Grande and water bodies from Reynosa, Tamaulipas.

The Rio Bravo (Rio Grande) adjoins various states in the Mexican region and has a great importance in water distribution in the northeast Tamaulipas (Mexico). In this work 161 strains were isolated, identified and characterized from the water samples taken from the flow of the Rio Bravo and the two inner canals that cover Reynosa city. The strains were identified as Vibrio cholerae (74·5%), Vibrio spp. (1·2%) and Vibrio mimicus (0·6%). Furthermore, the detected virulence genes in the V. cholerae strains, were the hlyA, ompU, tcpA, toxR genes in 78·3, 62·5, 15·8 and 90·8% respectively. Only the ompU and vmh genes were detected in the V. mimicus strain. These results indicate the presence of multi-toxigenic V. cholerae strains in the Rio Bravo/Grande and in the water bodies from Reynosa city, which could represent a risk for the exposed population. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Water quality is associated with public health, as it plays an important role in the transmission and epidemiology of pathogens such as Vibrio, since this species have been responsible for human diseases around the world. This study demonstrated the presence of toxigenic Vibrio species in water bodies in Reynosa surroundings, indicating that water bodies may be a source of public health risk.

Waterborne outbreaks in diarrhoea endemic foci of India: a longitudinal exploration and its implications.

Diarrhoea remains a global public health enigma raising deep concerns for the health planners since contaminated potable water often spoils the community health structure. We hereby report a 6-year odd continuing outbreak surveillance report based on potable water indices, during which 264 water samples were screened from different districts of West Bengal, India. Samples were analysed for the presence of different enteropathogenic bacterial species by conventional molecular tools and their sensitivity to antibiotics. 78.03% samples were positive for enteropathogenic bacterial organisms and 75% samples harbored Coliform. 45.45, 12.12, and 4.16% samples were positive for E.coli, V. cholerae, and V. mimicus, respectively. Diarrhoeagenic E.coli 7 EPEC, 10 ETEC, and 2 EIEC were isolated along with 2 V. cholerae O1 Ogawa (ctxA and tcpA ElTor positive), one each from tube well and pond. Interestingly, 4 V.cholerae non-O1/non-O139 also harbored hlyA gene. The detection of toxin genes among this bacterial pool of sampled water indicates the fallout of the potable water sources, thus enabling us to establish that it is none other than the contaminated potable water system which often wreaks havoc in the south Bengal diarrhoeal menace. The consequences are further complicated by the presence of drug-resistant pathogenic bacterial pool to fluoroquinolone, beta-lactams, and cephalosporins, in the accessible potable water, with threats of outbreaks exploding into an epidemic, given suitable environment, poor sanitation, and unhygienic practices. Therefore, we strongly recommend re-modelling of 'point-of-use water disinfection' measures and adequate personal hygiene for healthier community life.

Virulence-associated factors in Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 and V. mimicus strains isolated in ornamental fish species.

During recent decades, ornamental fish have proven to be one of the fastest growing categories of pets in Europe. In this framework, we evaluated both the potential pathogenic and zoonotic risks caused by 53 Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 and a Vibrio mimicus strain isolated from ornamental fish species mostly originating from South-East Asia countries between 2000 and 2015 in Italy. All the strains were firstly identified at species level by biochemical, phylogenetic and mass spectrometry (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight) methods, and then studied to reveal the presence of the main virulence and colonization-associated factors, as ctxA, ace, zot, stn/sto, toxR, rtxA, hlyA and tcpA by multiplex and single endpoint PCR assays. Findings showed that 21 of 54 strains harboured at least one virulence factor with a predominance for the toxR+ , rtxA+ and hlyAET+ genotype. Interestingly, the V. mimicus strain harboured the colonization factor and the CTX prophage receptor, tcpA, indicating the ability to capture and integrate it in its genome increasing its pathogenicity. Although these enterotoxins can sporadically cause gastroenteritis, the results highlight their probable involvement in causing severe implications for public health, suggesting the need for an European microbiological monitoring.

Core and Accessory Genome Analysis of Vibrio mimicus.

Vibrio mimicus is an emerging pathogen, mainly associated with contaminated seafood consumption. However, little is known about its evolution, biodiversity, and pathogenic potential. This study analyzes the pan-, core, and accessory genomes of nine V. mimicus strains. The core genome yielded 2424 genes in chromosome I (ChI) and 822 genes in chromosome II (ChII), with an accessory genome comprising an average of 10.9% of the whole genome for ChI and 29% for ChII. Core genome phylogenetic trees were obtained, and V. mimicus ATCC-33654 strain was the closest to the outgroup in both chromosomes. Additionally, a phylogenetic study of eight conserved genes (ftsZ, gapA, gyrB, topA, rpoA, recA, mreB, and pyrH), including Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parilis, Vibrio metoecus, and Vibrio caribbenthicus, clearly showed clade differentiation. The main virulence genes found in ChI corresponded with type I secretion proteins, extracellular components, flagellar proteins, and potential regulators, while, in ChII, the main categories were type-I secretion proteins, chemotaxis proteins, and antibiotic resistance proteins. The accessory genome was characterized by the presence of mobile elements and toxin encoding genes in both chromosomes. Based on the genome atlas, it was possible to characterize differential regions between strains. The pan-genome of V. mimicus encompassed 3539 genes for ChI and 2355 genes for ChII. These results give us an insight into the virulence and gene content of V. mimicus, as well as constitute the first approach to its diversity.

Vibrio mimicus wound infection in a burn patient.

Burns are one of the most common and devastating forms of trauma. Burns are a significant problem with high associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. Burn wound infection is a serious complication, which plays an important role in increasing the overall fatality rate in burn patients. In this study, we report a case of the polymicrobial burn wound infection involving V mimicus in a 56-year-old male, who was transferred from an outside hospital to the inpatient burn unit after sustaining traumatic and burn injuries in a firework explosion accident. The patient underwent surgical treatment and antibiotics with good improvement. Although rare, our case study will help to underscore the important role of V mimicus as a human pathogen.