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International Journal of Molecular... May 2020populates coastal waters around the world, where it exists freely or becomes concentrated in filter feeding mollusks. It also causes rapid and life-threatening sepsis... (Review)
Review
populates coastal waters around the world, where it exists freely or becomes concentrated in filter feeding mollusks. It also causes rapid and life-threatening sepsis and wound infections in humans. Of its many virulence factors, it is the capsule, composed of capsular polysaccharide (CPS), that plays a critical role in evasion of the host innate immune system by conferring antiphagocytic ability and resistance to complement-mediated killing. CPS may also provoke a portion of the host inflammatory cytokine response to this bacterium. CPS production is biochemically and genetically diverse among strains of , and the carbohydrate diversity of CPS is likely affected by horizontal gene transfer events that result in new combinations of biosynthetic genes. Phase variation between virulent encapsulated opaque colonial variants and attenuated translucent colonial variants, which have little or no CPS, is a common phenotype among strains of this species. One mechanism for generating acapsular variants likely involves homologous recombination between repeat sequences flanking the phosphatase gene within the Group 1 CPS biosynthetic and transport operon. A considerable number of environmental, genetic, and regulatory factors have now been identified that affect CPS gene expression and CPS production in this pathogen.
Topics: Antigens, Bacterial; Bacterial Capsules; Gene Expression; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Humans; Operon; Phenotype; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Structure-Activity Relationship; Vibrio Infections; Vibrio vulnificus; Virulence; Virulence Factors
PubMed: 32380667
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093259 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023, a foodborne pathogen, has a high mortality rate. Despite its relevance to public health, the identification of virulence genes associated with the pathogenicity of...
, a foodborne pathogen, has a high mortality rate. Despite its relevance to public health, the identification of virulence genes associated with the pathogenicity of currently known clinical isolates of is incomplete and its synergistic pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we integrate whole genome sequencing (WGS), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genome-wide epistasis studies (GWES), along with phenotype characterization to investigate the pathogenesis and survival strategies of . GWAS and GWES identified a total of six genes (, , , , , and ) associated with the pathogenicity of clinical isolates related to nucleotide/amino acid transport and metabolism, cell membrane biogenesis, signal transduction mechanisms, and protein turnover. Of these, five were newly discovered potential specific virulence genes of in this study. Furthermore, GWES combined with phenotype experiments indicated that isolates were clustered into two ecological groups (EGs) that shared distinct biotic and abiotic factors, and ecological strategies. Our study reveals pathogenic mechanisms and their evolution in to provide a solid foundation for designing new vaccines and therapeutic targets.
Topics: Metagenomics; Vibrio vulnificus; Genome-Wide Association Study; Amino Acids; Biological Transport
PubMed: 37692161
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1254379 -
Journal of Applied Microbiology Apr 2016In New Zealand, there have been no known cases of foodborne diseases linked to Vibrio vulnificus and shellfish consumption, but two cases of wound infection have been...
AIMS
In New Zealand, there have been no known cases of foodborne diseases linked to Vibrio vulnificus and shellfish consumption, but two cases of wound infection have been reported. We evaluated the distribution, the effect of environmental parameters, the pheno-genotypic profile and the growth characteristics of strains isolated from shellfish.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Vibrio vulnificus was present in 13·6% of Pacific oysters and not found in any dredge oyster or Greenshell(™) mussel samples. Eleven isolates belonged to biotype 1 while nine appeared to be variants of biotype 1. Nineteen isolates were genotype E (type A) and just one was genotype C (type B). Some isolates were more resistant to high salt concentrations (>30‰) than others, but not different from ATCC 27562.
CONCLUSIONS
Vibrio vulnificus were low in numbers, mostly belonging to genotype E, 16S rRNA type A and biotype 1. No relationship or adaptability to high salinity was observed, but seawater temperature was a strong predictor of bacterial numbers in shellfish.
SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY
We report, for the first time, the characterization of V. vulnificus isolated from New Zealand shellfish and its long-term distribution and prevalence. This information will help the authorities on risk assessments.
Topics: Animals; Bivalvia; Ecology; New Zealand; Ostreidae; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Salinity; Seawater; Shellfish; Temperature; Vibrio vulnificus; Wound Infection
PubMed: 26788798
DOI: 10.1111/jam.13064 -
The Journal of Biological Chemistry Oct 2017The marine bacterium causes food-borne diseases, which may lead to life-threatening septicemia in some individuals. Therefore, identifying virulence factors in is of...
The marine bacterium causes food-borne diseases, which may lead to life-threatening septicemia in some individuals. Therefore, identifying virulence factors in is of high priority. We performed a transcriptome analysis on after infection of human intestinal HT29-methotrexate cells and found induction of , encoding a putative phospholipase, PlpA. Bioinformatics, biochemical, and genetic analyses demonstrated that PlpA is a phospholipase A secreted in a type II secretion system-dependent manner. Compared with the wild type, the mutant exhibited reduced mortality, systemic infection, and inflammation in mice as well as low cytotoxicity toward the human epithelial INT-407 cells. Moreover, mutation attenuated the release of actin and cytosolic cyclophilin A from INT-407 cells, indicating that PlpA is a virulence factor essential for causing lysis and necrotic death of the epithelial cells. transcription was growth phase-dependent, reaching maximum levels during the early stationary phase. Also, transcription factor HlyU and cAMP receptor protein (CRP) mediate additive activation and host-dependent induction of Molecular biological analyses revealed that expression is controlled via the promoter, P , and that HlyU and CRP directly bind to P upstream sequences. Taken together, this study demonstrated that PlpA is a type II secretion system-dependent secretory phospholipase A regulated by HlyU and CRP and is essential for the pathogenicity of .
Topics: Bacterial Proteins; Bacterial Secretion Systems; Cell Line; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Phospholipases A2; Transcription Factors; Vibrio Infections; Vibrio vulnificus
PubMed: 28855258
DOI: 10.1074/jbc.M117.791657 -
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Dec 2018Vibrio vulnificus is a Gram-negative, curved, obligate halophilic marine bacterium that exclusively exists in coastal seawaters. Previous studies revealed that...
Vibrio vulnificus is a Gram-negative, curved, obligate halophilic marine bacterium that exclusively exists in coastal seawaters. Previous studies revealed that V. vulnificus is one of the most dangerous foodborne zoonotic pathogens for human beings. However, it remains unknown whether marine mammals can be infected by V. vulnificus. In May 2016, a captive spotted seal (Phoca largha) died due to septicemia induced by V. vulnificus. Upon post-mortem examination, V. vulnificus was isolated, identified, and named as BJ-PH01. Further analysis showed that BJ-PH01 belongs to biotype 1 and the Clinical genotype. Furthermore, we performed an epidemiological investigation of V. vulnificus in six aquariums in northern China. As a result, V. vulnificus was successfully isolated from all investigated aquariums. The positive rates ranged from 20% to 100% in each investigated aquarium. During the investigation, 12 strains of V. vulnificus were isolated, and all 12 isolates were classified into biotype 1. Eleven of the 12 isolates belonged to the Clinical genotype, and one isolate belonged to the Environmental genotype. All 12 isolated V. vulnificus strains showed limited antibiotic resistance. Overall, our work demonstrated that V. vulnificus is frequently distributed in aquariums, thus constituting a threat to captive marine mammals and to public health.
Topics: Animal Diseases; Animals; Animals, Zoo; China; Fishes; Genotype; Mammals; Public Health; Seals, Earless; Vibrio Infections; Vibrio vulnificus; Water Microbiology; Waterborne Diseases
PubMed: 30047566
DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12967 -
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Nov 2018Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative bacterium that can cause serious, potentially fatal infections. V. vulnificus causes three distinct syndromes: an overwhelming... (Review)
Review
Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative bacterium that can cause serious, potentially fatal infections. V. vulnificus causes three distinct syndromes: an overwhelming primary septicemia caused by consuming contaminated seafood, wound infections acquired when an open wound is exposed to contaminated warm seawater, and gastrointestinal tract-limited infections. Case-fatality rates are higher than 50% for primary septicemia, and death typically occurs within 72 hours of hospitalization. Risk factors for V. vulnificus infection include chronic liver disease, alcoholism, and hematological disorders. When V. vulnificus infection is suspected, appropriate antibiotic treatment and surgical interventions should be performed immediately. Third-generation cephalosporin with doxycycline, or quinolone with or without third-generation cephalosporin, may be potential treatment options for patients with V. vulnificus infection.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Female; Food Microbiology; Foodborne Diseases; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Public Health; Risk Factors; Seafood; Seawater; Sepsis; Surgical Wound Infection; Treatment Outcome; Vibrio Infections; Vibrio vulnificus; Young Adult
PubMed: 29898575
DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2018.159 -
BMC Microbiology Oct 2022A visual, rapid, simple method was developed based on a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to detect Vibrio vulnificus in aquatic products and...
BACKGROUND
A visual, rapid, simple method was developed based on a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay to detect Vibrio vulnificus in aquatic products and aquaculture waters.
RESULTS
Genomic DNA was extracted from Vibrio vulnificus using the boiling method, and optimized primers were used to detect the gyrB gene using a visual LAMP method. The sensitivity of the assay was 10 fg/μL, and the obtained results were stable and reliable. Out of 655 aquatic product samples and 558 aquaculture water samples, the positive rates of Vibrio vulnificus detection were 9.01% and 8.60%, respectively, which are markedly higher than those of the traditional culture identification methods.
CONCLUSION
The relatively simple technical requirements, low equipment cost, and rapid detection make the visual LAMP method for the detection of Vibrio vulnificus a convenient choice for field detection in the aquaculture industry.
Topics: Vibrio vulnificus; Water; Sensitivity and Specificity; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques
PubMed: 36271365
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02656-1 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Aug 2004Residents in Taiwan are often exposed to marine microorganisms through seafood and occupational exposure. The number of reported cases of infection attributable to this... (Review)
Review
Residents in Taiwan are often exposed to marine microorganisms through seafood and occupational exposure. The number of reported cases of infection attributable to this organism has increased since the first case was reported in 1985. The increasing number of cases may be caused by greater disease activity or improved recognition by clinicians or laboratory workers. We analyze a clinical-case series of 84 patients with Vibrio vulnificus infection from 1995 to 2000 and describe the molecular epidemiologic features of pathogens isolated from these patients. The spectrum of clinical manifestations and outcomes, options of antimicrobial therapy, and virulence mechanisms were investigated. Results of molecular typing of isolates from humans and marine environment in this country had a high genetic divergence among these isolates. Education and measures are needed to prevent this emerging disease.
Topics: Humans; Molecular Epidemiology; Prevalence; Taiwan; Vibrio Infections; Vibrio vulnificus; Virulence
PubMed: 15496235
DOI: 10.3201/eid1008.040047 -
Trends in Microbiology Dec 2022The fulminating zoonotic pathogen Vibrio vulnificus is the causative agent of fatal septicemia in humans and fish, raising tremendous economic burdens in healthcare and... (Review)
Review
The fulminating zoonotic pathogen Vibrio vulnificus is the causative agent of fatal septicemia in humans and fish, raising tremendous economic burdens in healthcare and the aquaculture industry. V. vulnificus exploits various virulence factors, including biofilm-related factors and exotoxins, for its persistence in nature and pathogenesis during infection. Substantial studies have found that the expression of virulence factors is coordinately regulated by numerous transcription factors that recognize the changing environments. Here, we summarize and discuss the recent discoveries of the physiological roles of virulence factors in V. vulnificus and their regulation by transcription factors in response to various environmental signals. This expanded understanding of molecular pathogenesis would provide novel clues to develop an effective antivirulence therapy against V. vulnificus infection.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Vibrio vulnificus; Virulence Factors; Virulence; Transcription Factors; Biofilms
PubMed: 35753865
DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.05.009 -
Research in Microbiology Oct 2013Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae are human pathogens. Little is known about these Vibrio spp. in the coastal lagoons of France. The purpose...
Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae are human pathogens. Little is known about these Vibrio spp. in the coastal lagoons of France. The purpose of this study was to investigate their incidence in water, shellfish and sediment of three French Mediterranean coastal lagoons using the most probable number-polymerase chain reaction (MPN-PCR). In summer, the total number of V. parahaemolyticus in water, sediment, mussels and clams collected from the three lagoons varied from 1 to >1.1 × 10³ MPN/l, 0.09 to 1.1 × 10³ MPN/ml, 9 to 210 MPN/g and 1.5 to 2.1 MPN/g, respectively. In winter, all samples except mussels contained V. parahaemolyticus, but at very low concentrations. Pathogenic (tdh- or trh2-positive) V. parahaemolyticus were present in water, sediment and shellfish samples collected from these lagoons. The number of V. vulnificus in water, sediment and shellfish samples ranged from 1 to 1.1 × 10³ MPN/l, 0.07 to 110 MPN/ml and 0.04 to 15 MPN/g, respectively, during summer. V. vulnificus was not detected during winter. V. cholerae was rarely detected in water and sediment during summer. In summary, results of this study highlight the finding that the three human pathogenic Vibrio spp. are present in the lagoons and constitute a potential public health hazard.
Topics: Bacterial Load; France; Geologic Sediments; Humans; Mediterranean Region; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Seasons; Shellfish; Vibrio cholerae; Vibrio parahaemolyticus; Vibrio vulnificus; Water Microbiology
PubMed: 23770313
DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2013.06.005