New Pub: Beyond AMR and virulence databases: genome wide associations of closely related Vibrio alginolyticus and emerging Vibrio diabolicus provide framework for identifying novel genetic markers
New study uses genomics to tell apart two nearly identical, and potentially dangerous, ocean bacteria
More than 100 different species of Vibrio bacteria live in coastal habitats, and while most are harmless, a few species can cause serious illness in both people and marine wildlife, including sea otters. Two closely related species, Vibrio alginolyticus and the lesser known Vibrio diabolicus, are particularly difficult to tell apart, thus V. diabolicus infections may have been underreported and overlooked as a potential cause of illness for years.
In our latest study published in Frontiers in Microbiology: Antimicrobials, Resistance and Chemotherapy, roughly 1 in 5 publicly available genomes labeled as V. alginolyticus were reclassified as V. diabolicus using more precise genomic methods, including several from human infections. Genomes of both species were compared to identify specific genes that may help explain how each one adapts to different hosts including genes that may provide antibiotic resistance or increased virulence. As rising ocean temperatures increase the risk of Vibrio infections for both people and marine wildlife like sea otters, this research provides useful tools for identifying species and understanding the ways they can become more infectious and drug resistant to better protect public health and coastal wildlife.