Vibrio vulnificusin aquariums is a novel threat to marine mammals and public health

Abstract

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.

Potentially human‐virulentVibrio vulnificusisolates from diseased great pompano (Trachinotus goodei)

“…Vibrio vulnificus can frequently be detected in aquariums (Li et al, ) and for this reason, isolation of this pathogen as the causative agent of an important mortality outbreak in a zoo exhibition aquarium is noteworthy.…”

“…However, pathogenic strains of this bacterium have been identified in other farmed fish species, such as tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ), marine rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ), ovate pompano ( Trachinotus ovatus ) and grouper ( Epinephelus sp. ), as well as in captive marine mammals (Fouz, Alcaide, Barrera, & Amaro, ; Li et al, , ; Mahmud et al, ; Pedersen et al, ; Thawonsuwan, Kasornchandra, Soonsan, & Keawtapee, ). Moreover, the frequent isolation of V. vulnificus from the water of aquarium tanks suggests that, in addition to aquatic livestock, it might represent an unexpected potential risk to other aquatic animals and to public health (Li et al, ).…”

“…), as well as in captive marine mammals (Fouz, Alcaide, Barrera, & Amaro, ; Li et al, , ; Mahmud et al, ; Pedersen et al, ; Thawonsuwan, Kasornchandra, Soonsan, & Keawtapee, ). Moreover, the frequent isolation of V. vulnificus from the water of aquarium tanks suggests that, in addition to aquatic livestock, it might represent an unexpected potential risk to other aquatic animals and to public health (Li et al, ). In the present work, we describe an outbreak affecting great pompano (Trachinotus goodei ) maintained in an aquarium tank associated with a V. vulnificus strain that is potentially pathogenic for humans.…”

Confidence-driven communication of process mining on time series

“…Most infections occur in subtropical regions between April and November [13]. In the context of global warming and an increase in heat waves, however, infections have increased and will probably further increase due to the changing water conditions.…”

Genomic and Phenotypic Characteristics for Vibrio vulnificus Infections

“… 8 Epidemiological investigations showed an overlap in the distribution of VV among marine animals, aquariums, and human. 9 , 10 However, the genetic factors that differentiate clinical or environmental isolates remain enigmatic. Pangenome analysis has identified VV isolates cohabitated with both commensal and bloomer ecotypes in the mucosa of eels from aquaculture farms, raising concerns about man-made environments.…”