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Scientific Reports Mar 2023Vibrio vulnificus is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, occurring in warm low-salinity waters. V. vulnificus wound infections due to seawater exposure are infrequent...
Vibrio vulnificus is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, occurring in warm low-salinity waters. V. vulnificus wound infections due to seawater exposure are infrequent but mortality rates are high (~ 18%). Seawater bacterial concentrations are increasing but changing disease pattern assessments or climate change projections are rare. Here, using a 30-year database of V. vulnificus cases for the Eastern USA, changing disease distribution was assessed. An ecological niche model was developed, trained and validated to identify links to oceanographic and climate data. This model was used to predict future disease distribution using data simulated by seven Global Climate Models (GCMs) which belong to the newest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). Risk was estimated by calculating the total population within 200 km of the disease distribution. Predictions were generated for different "pathways" of global socioeconomic development which incorporate projections of greenhouse gas emissions and demographic change. In Eastern USA between 1988 and 2018, V. vulnificus wound infections increased eightfold (10-80 cases p.a.) and the northern case limit shifted northwards 48 km p.a. By 2041-2060, V. vulnificus infections may expand their current range to encompass major population centres around New York (40.7°N). Combined with a growing and increasingly elderly population, annual case numbers may double. By 2081-2100 V. vulnificus infections may be present in every Eastern USA State under medium-to-high future emissions and warming. The projected expansion of V. vulnificus wound infections stresses the need for increased individual and public health awareness in these areas.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Vibrio vulnificus; Vibrio Infections; North America; Wound Infection
PubMed: 36959189
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28247-2 -
Evolutionary Bioinformatics Online 2022is an emergent marine pathogen and is the cause of a deadly septicemia. However, the evolution mechanism of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) is still unclear....
is an emergent marine pathogen and is the cause of a deadly septicemia. However, the evolution mechanism of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) is still unclear. Twenty-two high-quality complete genomes of were obtained and grouped into 16 clinical isolates and 6 environmental isolates. Genomic annotations found 23 ARG orthologous genes, among which 14 ARGs were shared by and other members. Furthermore, those ARGs were located in their chromosomes, rather than in the plasmids. Phylogenomic reconstruction based on single-copy orthologous protein sequences and ARG protein sequences revealed that clinical and environmental isolates were in a scattered distribution. The calculation of non-synonymous and synonymous substitutions indicated that most of ARGs evolved under purifying selection with the / ratios lower than one, while , and in several clinical isolates evolved under the positive selection with / ratios >1. Our result indicated that antibiotic-resistant armory was not only confined to clinical isolates, but to environmental ones as well and clinical isolates inclined to accumulate beneficial non-synonymous substitutions that could be retained to improve competitiveness.
PubMed: 36404992
DOI: 10.1177/11769343221134400 -
Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen... Oct 2021Background spp. are aquatic bacteria that prefer warm seawater with moderate salinity. In humans, they can cause gastroenteritis, wound infections, and ear infections....
Background spp. are aquatic bacteria that prefer warm seawater with moderate salinity. In humans, they can cause gastroenteritis, wound infections, and ear infections. During the summers of 2018 and 2019, unprecedented high sea surface temperatures were recorded in the German Baltic Sea.AimWe aimed to describe the clinical course and microbiological characteristics of infections in Germany in 2018 and 2019.MethodsWe performed an observational retrospective multi-centre cohort study of patients diagnosed with domestically-acquired infections in Germany in 2018 and 2019. Demographic, clinical, and microbiological data were assessed, and isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.ResultsOf the 63 patients with infections, most contracted the virus between June and September, primarily in the Baltic Sea: 44 (70%) were male and the median age was 65 years (range: 2-93 years). Thirty-eight patients presented with wound infections, 16 with ear infections, six with gastroenteritis, two with pneumonia (after seawater aspiration) and one with primary septicaemia. The majority of infections were attributed to (non-O1/non-O139) (n = 30; 48%) or (n = 22; 38%). Phylogenetic analyses of 12 available isolates showed clusters of three identical strains of , which caused wound infections, suggesting that some clonal lines can spread across the Baltic Sea.ConclusionsDuring the summers of 2018 and 2019, severe heatwaves facilitated increased numbers of infections in Germany. Since climate change is likely to favour the proliferation of these bacteria, a further increase in -associated diseases is expected.
Topics: Aged; Cohort Studies; Germany; Humans; Male; Phylogeny; Retrospective Studies; Vibrio; Vibrio Infections
PubMed: 34651572
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2021.26.41.2002041 -
Environmental Microbiology Oct 2020Vibrio vulnificus is a zoonotic pathogen able to cause diseases in humans and fish that occasionally result in sepsis and death. Most reviews about this pathogen... (Review)
Review
Vibrio vulnificus is a zoonotic pathogen able to cause diseases in humans and fish that occasionally result in sepsis and death. Most reviews about this pathogen (including those related to its ecology) are clearly biased towards its role as a human pathogen, emphasizing its relationship with oysters as its main reservoir, the role of the known virulence factors as well as the clinic and the epidemiology of the human disease. This review tries to give to the reader a wider vision of the biology of this pathogen covering aspects related to its phylogeny and evolution and filling the gaps in our understanding of the general strategies that V. vulnificus uses to survive outside and inside its two main hosts, the human and the eel, and how its response to specific environmental parameters determines its survival, its death, or the triggering of an infectious process.
Topics: Animals; Fish Diseases; Humans; Life Cycle Stages; Phylogeny; Vibrio Infections; Vibrio vulnificus
PubMed: 32567215
DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15137 -
Infection & Chemotherapy Jun 2020infection was first reported as a necrotizing skin disease of unknown cause in Korea in 1979. In the early days, this disease caused panic across the country due to... (Review)
Review
infection was first reported as a necrotizing skin disease of unknown cause in Korea in 1979. In the early days, this disease caused panic across the country due to dreadful wound and its high mortality. Since then, the nature of the disease has become better understood and the overwhelming public fear has dissipated. However, there are still a certain number of infected patients each year and the high mortality rate remains a major health and social problem. From this review on historical and clinical perspective, better understanding of infection would provide valuable information for public health planning.
PubMed: 32468743
DOI: 10.3947/ic.2020.52.2.245 -
Molecular and Cellular Probes Apr 2021Researchers have developed multiple methods to characterize clinical and environmental strains of Vibrio vulnificus. The aim of our study was to use four assays to...
Researchers have developed multiple methods to characterize clinical and environmental strains of Vibrio vulnificus. The aim of our study was to use four assays to detect virulence factors in strains from infected patients and those from surface waters/sediments/oysters of South Carolina and the Gulf of Mexico. Vibrio vulnificus strains from clinical (n = 81) and environmental (n = 171) sources were tested using three real-time PCR methods designed to detect polymorphisms in the 16S rRNA, vcg and pilF genes and a phenotypic method, the ability to ferment D-mannitol. Although none of the tests correctly categorized all isolates, the differentiation between clinical and environmental isolates was similar for the pilF, vcgC/E and 16S rRNA assays, with sensitivities of 74.1-79.2% and specificities of 77.4-82.7%. The pilF and vcgC/E assays are comparable in efficacy to the widely used 16S rRNA method, while the D-mannitol fermentation test is less discriminatory (sensitivity = 77.8%, specificity = 61.4%). Overall percent agreement for the D-mannitol fermentation method was also lower (66.7%) than overall percent agreement for the 3 molecular assays (78.0%-80.2%). This study demonstrated, using a large, diverse group of Vibrio vulnificus isolates, that three assays could be used to distinguish most clinical vs environmental isolates; however, additional assays are needed to increase accuracy.
Topics: Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Bacterial Typing Techniques; Fermentation; Gene Expression; Humans; Mannitol; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Seafood; Shellfish; United States; Vibrio Infections; Vibrio vulnificus; Virulence; Water Microbiology
PubMed: 33453365
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2021.101695 -
The Journal of Biological Chemistry Jul 2019On the fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of the Ser-His-Asp catalytic triad, perhaps the most unusual variation on the textbook classic is described: An incomplete...
On the fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of the Ser-His-Asp catalytic triad, perhaps the most unusual variation on the textbook classic is described: An incomplete catalytic triad in a hydrolase is rescued by a chloride ion (Fig. 1). Structural and functional data provide compelling evidence that the active site of a phospholipase from employs the anion in place of the commonly observed Asp, reminding us that even well-trodden scientific ground has surprises in store.
Topics: Catalysis; Catalytic Domain; Chlorides; Hydrolases; Hydrolysis
PubMed: 31350284
DOI: 10.1074/jbc.H119.009687 -
Cutis Feb 2021Vibrio vulnificus is a motile, gram-negative, halophilic, aquatic bacterium that is part of the normal estuarine microbiome and typically is found in warm coastal... (Review)
Review
Vibrio vulnificus is a motile, gram-negative, halophilic, aquatic bacterium that is part of the normal estuarine microbiome and typically is found in warm coastal waters. Infection with the pathogen typically is due to consumption of contaminated seafood or exposure to contaminated seawater. Vibrio vulnificus has a mortality rate of almost 33% in the United States and is responsible for more than 95% of seafood-related deaths in the United States. Vibrio vulnificus can cause a vast spectrum of diseases, such as gastroenteritis, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and sepsis. Gastroenteritis is self-limited, whereas septicemia often is fatal. Gastroenteritis and septicemia are caused by ingestion of contaminated shellfish, whereas wound infections and necrotizing fasciitis are caused by exposure to contaminated seawater or handling of contaminated seafood. Septicemia is the most common presentation of V vulnificus and accounts for the most fatalities from the bacteria. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent mortality. It is important to keep V vulnificus on the differential when a patient presents with bullae or cellulitis or has a history of raw seafood consumption or exposure to brackish water, as missing the diagnosis could lead to necrotizing fasciitis, sepsis, and death.
Topics: Cellulitis; Fasciitis, Necrotizing; Humans; Sepsis; Vibrio Infections; Vibrio vulnificus
PubMed: 33891847
DOI: 10.12788/cutis.0183 -
Applied and Environmental Microbiology Jun 2023Incidence of vibriosis is rising globally, with evidence that changing climatic conditions are influencing environmental factors that enhance growth of pathogenic spp....
Incidence of vibriosis is rising globally, with evidence that changing climatic conditions are influencing environmental factors that enhance growth of pathogenic spp. in aquatic ecosystems. To determine the impact of environmental factors on occurrence of pathogenic spp., samples were collected in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, during 2009 to 2012 and 2019 to 2022. Genetic markers for Vibrio vulnificus () and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (, , and ) were enumerated by direct plating and DNA colony hybridization. Results confirmed seasonality and environmental parameters as predictors. Water temperature showed a linear correlation with and , and two critical thresholds were observed, an initial increase in detectable numbers (>15°C) and a second increase when maximum counts were recorded (>25°C). Temperature and pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus ( and ) were not strongly correlated; however, the evidence showed that these organisms persist in oyster and sediment at colder temperatures. Salinity (10 to 15 ppt), total chlorophyll (5 to 25 μg/L), dissolved oxygen (5 to 10 mg/L), and pH (8) were associated with increased abundance of and . Importantly, a long-term increase in spp. numbers was observed in water samples between the two collection periods, specifically at Tangier Sound (lower bay), with the evidence suggesting an extended seasonality for these bacteria in the area. Notably, showed a mean positive increase that was ca. 3-fold overall, with the most significant increase observed during the fall. In conclusion, vibriosis continues to be a risk in the Chesapeake Bay region. A predictive intelligence system to assist decision makers, with respect to climate and human health, is warranted. The genus includes pathogenic species that are naturally occurring in marine and estuarine environments globally. Routine monitoring for species and environmental parameters influencing their incidence is critical to provide a warning system for the public when the risk of infection is high. In this study, occurrence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, both potential human pathogens, in Chesapeake Bay water, oysters, and sediment samples collected over a 13-year period was analyzed. The results provide a confirmation of environmental predictors for these bacteria, notably temperature, salinity, and total chlorophyll , and their seasonality of occurrence. New findings refine environmental parameter thresholds of culturable species and document a long-term increase in populations in the Chesapeake Bay. This study provides a valuable foundation for development of predicative risk intelligence models for incidence during climate change.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Vibrio parahaemolyticus; Vibrio vulnificus; Chlorophyll A; Ecosystem; Ostreidae; Vibrio Infections; Water
PubMed: 37222620
DOI: 10.1128/aem.00307-23 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jan 2023Vibrio campbellii is a marine bacterium that is associated with luminous vibriosis, especially in the hatchery and nursery stages of penaeid shrimp cultivation...
Vibrio campbellii is a marine bacterium that is associated with luminous vibriosis, especially in the hatchery and nursery stages of penaeid shrimp cultivation worldwide, which has led to low survival rates of shrimp during aquaculture. Phage therapy has been reported as an alternative biocontrol agent which can reduce or replace the use of antibiotics and other chemicals. This study characterized a lytic bacteriophage, OPA17, originally isolated from bloody clams and investigated its biocontrol efficacy against infection in a model system, Artemia franciscana. Phage OPA17 lysed 83.89% of strains tested (= 118) with clear plaque morphology. Some strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus were also infected by phage OPA17. Transmission electron microscopy and genetic features indicated that OPA17 belongs to the family. The latent period and burst size of OPA17 were approximately 50 min and 123 PFU/cell, respectively. Moreover, it survived in artificial seawater throughout the 2-month study period and effectively destroyed Vibrio campbellii biofilms after 4 h of incubation. The addition of OPA17 significantly increased the survival of nauplii infected with . The genome sequence of OPA17 showed that it does not carry genes unsuitable for phage therapy. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that OPA17 was closely related to the V. vulnificus lytic phage SSP002 (98.90% similarity), which was previously reported as a potential biocontrol agent. Accordingly, the results of this study provide valuable information regarding the potential biocontrol application of phage OPA17 against . is an emerging luminous pathogen associated with vibriosis, especially in marine shrimp hatcheries. Several strategies, including pond management and use of natural antimicrobials and probiotics, have been studied for control of this organism. Phage therapy is considered one of the effective biocontrol strategies against bacterial infections in aquaculture. However, there has been limited study of bacteriophages. In this study, -specific bacteriophage OPA17 was isolated, characterized, and investigated for its biocontrol efficacy against infection in an nauplii model. Phage OPA17 belongs to the family and shares significant genome similarity to phage SSP002, a potential biocontrol agent against V. vulnificus infection in a murine model. However, the host range of OPA17 was broader than that of SSP002. Overall, we discuss the potential of OPA17 for phage therapy application in shrimp hatcheries.
PubMed: 36719217
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01623-22