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Presence of virulence markers in environmental V ibrio vulnificus strains
Author(s) -
NatividadBonifacio I.,
Fernández F.J.,
QuiñonesRamírez E.I.,
CurielQuesada E.,
VázquezSalinas C.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/jam.12149
Subject(s) - vibrio vulnificus , virulence , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , vibrionaceae , vibrio infections , vibrio , bacteria , genetics , gene
Aims This work aims to demonstrate the presence of several genes and factors associated with virulence in strains isolated from the environment at Pueblo Viejo Lagoon, State of Veracruz, Mexico. Methods and Results In this study, we investigated the production of V. vulnificus virulence factors, as cytolysin (haemolysin), RTX toxin, metalloprotease, siderophores, capsular polysaccharide, adhesion structures (like type IV pili ), and polar and lateral flagella, involved in swimming and swarming (or, at least, the presence of genes encoding some of them) in 40 strains of V. vulnificus isolated from water and food. The results indicate that strains of environmental origin possess potential virulence characteristics. Conclusions C aution should be exercised when consuming raw shellfish (especially by those more susceptible risk groups). Significance and Impact of the Study This is the first work focused on the evaluation of V. vulnificus virulence factors in Mexico.