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Rehm C, Lippert K, Indra A, Kolarević S, Kračun‐Kolarević M, Leopold M, Steinbacher S, Schachner I, Campostrini L, Risslegger A, Farnleitner AH, Kolm C, Kirschner AK. First report on the occurrence of Vibrio cholerae nonO1/nonO139 in natural and artificial lakes and ponds in Serbia: Evidence for a long-distance transfer of strains and the presence of Vibrio paracholerae. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 15:142-152. [PMID: 36779243 PMCID: PMC10103850 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae are natural inhabitants of specific aquatic environments. Strains not belonging to serogroups O1 and O139 are usually unable to produce cholera toxin and cause cholera. However, non-toxigenic V. cholerae (NTVC) are able to cause a variety of mild-to-severe human infections (via seafood consumption or recreational activities). The number of unreported cases is considered substantial, as NTVC infections are not notifiable and physicians are mostly unaware of this pathogen. In the northern hemisphere, NTVC infections have been reported to increase due to global warming. In Eastern Europe, climatic and geological conditions favour the existence of inland water-bodies harbouring NTVC. We thus investigated the occurrence of NTVC in nine Serbian natural and artificial lakes and ponds, many of them used for fishing and bathing. With the exception of one highly saline lake, all investigated water-bodies harboured NTVC, ranging from 5.4 × 101 to 1.86 × 104 CFU and 4.5 × 102 to 5.6 × 106 genomic units per 100 ml. The maximum values observed were in the range of bathing waters in other countries, where infections have been reported. Interestingly, 7 out of 39 fully sequenced presumptive V. cholerae isolates were assigned as V. paracholerae, a recently described sister species of V. cholerae. Some clones and sublineages of both V. cholerae and V. paracholerae were shared by different environments indicating an exchange of strains over long distances. Important pathogenicity factors such as hlyA, toxR, and ompU were present in both species. Seasonal monitoring of ponds/lakes used for recreation in Serbia is thus recommended to be prepared for potential occurrence of infections promoted by climate change-induced rise in water temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rehm
- Division Water Quality and Health, Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and MicrobiologyKarl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKremsAustria
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology – Water MicrobiologyMedical University ViennaViennaAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & HealthAustria
| | - Kathrin Lippert
- Institute für Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food SafetyViennaAustria
| | - Alexander Indra
- Institute für Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food SafetyViennaAustria
| | - Stoimir Kolarević
- Institute for Biological Research ¨Siniša Stanković¨, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Department for Hydroecology and Water ProtectionUniversity of BelgradeBelgradeSerbia
| | - Margareta Kračun‐Kolarević
- Institute for Biological Research ¨Siniša Stanković¨, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Department for Hydroecology and Water ProtectionUniversity of BelgradeBelgradeSerbia
| | - Melanie Leopold
- Division Water Quality and Health, Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and MicrobiologyKarl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKremsAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & HealthAustria
- Institute for Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Technische Universität WienViennaAustria
| | - Sophia Steinbacher
- Division Water Quality and Health, Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and MicrobiologyKarl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKremsAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & HealthAustria
- Institute for Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Technische Universität WienViennaAustria
| | - Iris Schachner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology – Water MicrobiologyMedical University ViennaViennaAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & HealthAustria
| | - Lena Campostrini
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology – Water MicrobiologyMedical University ViennaViennaAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & HealthAustria
| | - Alexandra Risslegger
- Division Water Quality and Health, Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and MicrobiologyKarl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKremsAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & HealthAustria
| | - Andreas H. Farnleitner
- Division Water Quality and Health, Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and MicrobiologyKarl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKremsAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & HealthAustria
- Institute for Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Technische Universität WienViennaAustria
| | - Claudia Kolm
- Division Water Quality and Health, Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and MicrobiologyKarl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKremsAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & HealthAustria
- Institute for Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Technische Universität WienViennaAustria
| | - Alexander K.T. Kirschner
- Division Water Quality and Health, Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and MicrobiologyKarl Landsteiner University of Health SciencesKremsAustria
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology – Water MicrobiologyMedical University ViennaViennaAustria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre Water & HealthAustria
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Wang G, Fan C, Wang H, Jia C, Li X, Yang J, Zhang T, Gao S, Min X, Huang J. Type VI secretion system-associated FHA domain protein TagH regulates the hemolytic activity and virulence of Vibrio cholerae. Gut Microbes 2022; 14:2055440. [PMID: 35383540 PMCID: PMC8993066 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2055440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) and hemolysin HlyA are important virulence factors in Vibrio cholerae. The forkhead-associated (FHA) domain is a conserved phosphopeptide binding domain that exists in many regulatory modules. The FHA domain protein-encoding gene is conserved in the T6SS gene cluster and regulates the assembly and secretion of the T6SS. This study shows for the first time that the FHA domain protein TagH plays a role in controlling the hemolytic activity of V. cholerae, in addition to regulating the T6SS. TagH negatively regulates HlyA expression at the transcriptional and post-translational levels. The phosphopeptide binding sites of the FHA domain of TagH play a key role in the regulation of hemolytic activity. The deletion of tagH enhances the intestinal pathogenicity and extraintestinal invasion ability of V. cholerae, which mainly depend on the expression of HlyA. This study provides evidence that helps unravel the novel regulatory role of TagH in HlyA and provides critical insights which will aid in the development of strategies to manage HlyA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangli Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Chan Fan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Chengyi Jia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jianru Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xun Min
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,CONTACT Xun Min Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China,Jian Huang School of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi,Guizhou, China
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3
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Tsuruta K, Ueyama T, Watanabe T, Nakano K, Uno K, Fukushima H. Intensive care management of a patient with necrotizing fasciitis due to non-O1/O139 Vibrio cholerae after traveling to Taiwan: a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:618. [PMID: 32831039 PMCID: PMC7444193 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05343-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vibrio cholerae are oxidase-positive bacteria that are classified into various serotypes based on the O surface antigen. V. cholerae serotypes are divided into two main groups: the O1 and O139 group and the non-O1/non-O139 group. O1 and O139 V. cholerae are related to cholera infection, whereas non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae (NOVC) can cause cholera-like diarrhea. A PubMed search revealed that only 16 cases of necrotizing fasciitis caused by NOVC have been recorded in the scientific literature to date. We report the case of a Japanese woman who developed necrotizing fasciitis caused by NOVC after traveling to Taiwan and returning to Japan. Case presentation A 63-year-old woman visited our hospital because she had experienced left knee pain for the past 3 days. She had a history of colon cancer (Stage IV: T3N3 M1a) and had received chemotherapy. She had visited Taiwan 5 days previously, where she had received a massage. She was diagnosed with septic shock owing to necrotizing fasciitis. She underwent fasciotomy and received intensive care. She recovered from the septic shock; however, after 3 weeks, she required an above-knee amputation for necrosis and infection. Her condition improved, and she was discharged after 22 weeks in the hospital. Conclusions With the increase in tourism, it is important for clinicians to check patients’ travel history. Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of necrotizing fasciitis in patients with risk factors. Necrotizing fasciitis caused by NOVC is severe and requires early fasciotomy and debridement followed by intensive postoperative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Tsuruta
- Emergency Department, Minaminara General Hospital, 8-1 Ooazafukugami, Ooyodocho, Yoshino-gun, Nara, 638-0833, Japan.
| | - Toru Ueyama
- Emergency Department, Minaminara General Hospital, 8-1 Ooazafukugami, Ooyodocho, Yoshino-gun, Nara, 638-0833, Japan
| | - Tomoo Watanabe
- Emergency Department, Minaminara General Hospital, 8-1 Ooazafukugami, Ooyodocho, Yoshino-gun, Nara, 638-0833, Japan
| | - Kenichi Nakano
- Orthopedic Department, Minaminara General Hospital, Nara, Japan
| | - Kenji Uno
- Infectious Diseases Department, Minaminara General Hospital, Nara, Japan
| | - Hidetada Fukushima
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
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4
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Chen J, Huang J, Huang M, Chen Z, Chen A, Yang J, Zhang T, Min X. Two cases of septic shock with different outcomes caused by non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae isolates. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060520933459. [PMID: 32571124 PMCID: PMC7313337 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520933459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, increasing numbers of human infections have been linked to non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae. Septicemia resulting from non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae infection is rare but has high mortality. The pathogenesis of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae septicemia is poorly understood. Here, we report two sporadic cases of septicemia following non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae infection from an inland area of China. Patient 1 died rapidly within 24 hours, while patient 2 gradually recovered from septic shock. To explore the reasons for these divergent outcomes, we compared the two cases, tested the antibiotic sensitivity of the two isolates, and investigated their virulence genes and sequence types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Meirong Huang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Zehui Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Anlin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jianru Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xun Min
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
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5
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Vezzulli L, Baker-Austin C, Kirschner A, Pruzzo C, Martinez-Urtaza J. Global emergence of environmental non-O1/O139 Vibrio cholerae infections linked with climate change: a neglected research field? Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:4342-4355. [PMID: 32337781 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The bacterium Vibrio cholerae is a natural inhabitant of aquatic ecosystems across the planet. V. cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 are responsible for cholera outbreaks in developing countries accounting for 3-5 million infections worldwide and 28.800-130.000 deaths per year according to the World Health Organization. In contrast, V. cholerae serogroups other than O1 and O139, also designated as V. cholerae non-O1/O139 (NOVC), are not associated with epidemic cholera but can cause other illnesses that may range in severity from mild (e.g. gastroenteritis, otitis, etc.) to life-threatening (e.g. necrotizing fasciitis). Although generally neglected, NOVC-related infections are on the rise and represent one of the most striking examples of emerging human diseases linked to climate change. NOVC strains are also believed to potentially contribute to the emergence of new pathogenic strains including strains with epidemic potential as a direct consequence of genetic exchange mechanisms such as horizontal gene transfer and genetic recombination. Besides general features concerning the biology and ecology of NOVC strains and their associated diseases, this review aims to highlight the most relevant aspects related to the emergence and potential threat posed by NOVC strains under a rapidly changing environmental and climatic scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Vezzulli
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, CEFAS, Weymouth, UK
| | - Alexander Kirschner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Microbiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Carla Pruzzo
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jaime Martinez-Urtaza
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, CEFAS, Weymouth, UK.,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Facultat de Biociéncies, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Zhang X, Lu Y, Qian H, Liu G, Mei Y, Jin F, Xia W, Ni F. Non-O1, Non-O139 Vibrio cholerae (NOVC) Bacteremia: Case Report and Literature Review, 2015-2019. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:1009-1016. [PMID: 32308442 PMCID: PMC7156264 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s245806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-O1, non-O139 Vibrio cholerae (NOVC) does not agglutinate with O1 and O139 antisera and can cause intestinal and extraintestinal infections in immunocompromised individuals. NOVC bacteremia has the highest mortality among NOVC infections, and the number of reports has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, some clinicians are poorly informed about this disease. Herein, we describe a documented case of NOVC bacteremia in a male patient with impaired liver function. Blood cultures revealed the presence of V. cholerae, but this strain showed self-coagulation on the serum agglutination test. To our knowledge, this phenomenon is unreported among cases of NOVC infections. This pathogen was finally confirmed as NOVC via PCR. Because the patient worked as a garbage transporter, he was likely infected after contact with contaminated water through a foot wound. The patient developed septic shock shortly after admission and ultimately died from the illness. This paper reviews 23 cases of NOVC bacteremia from 2015 to 2019. To improve the accuracy of identifying NOVC and analyze its virulence factors, relevant detection methods were reviewed and analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfei Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Qian
- Key Laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology of Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Genyan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaning Mei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenying Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Ni
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.,National Key Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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7
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Lepuschitz S, Baron S, Larvor E, Granier SA, Pretzer C, Mach RL, Farnleitner AH, Ruppitsch W, Pleininger S, Indra A, Kirschner AKT. Phenotypic and Genotypic Antimicrobial Resistance Traits of Vibrio cholerae Non-O1/Non-O139 Isolated From a Large Austrian Lake Frequently Associated With Cases of Human Infection. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2600. [PMID: 31781080 PMCID: PMC6857200 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vibrio cholerae belonging to serogroups other than O1 and O139 are opportunistic pathogens which cause infections with a variety of clinical symptoms. Due to the increasing number of V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 infections in association with recreational waters in the past two decades, they have received increasing attention in recent literature and by public health authorities. Since the treatment of choice is the administration of antibiotics, we investigated the distribution of antimicrobial resistance properties in a V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 population in a large Austrian lake intensively used for recreation and in epidemiologically linked clinical isolates. In total, 82 environmental isolates - selected on the basis of comprehensive phylogenetic information - and nine clinical isolates were analyzed for their phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility. The genomes of 46 environmental and eight clinical strains were screened for known genetic antimicrobial resistance traits in CARD and ResFinder databases. In general, antimicrobial susceptibility of the investigated V. cholerae population was high. The environmental strains were susceptible against most of the 16 tested antibiotics, except sulfonamides (97.5% resistant strains), streptomycin (39% resistant) and ampicillin (20.7% resistant). Clinical isolates partly showed additional resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Genome analysis showed that crp, a regulator of multidrug efflux genes, and the bicyclomycin/multidrug efflux system of V. cholerae were present in all isolates. Nine isolates additionally carried variants of bla CARB-7 and bla CARB-9, determinants of beta-lactam resistance and six isolates carried catB9, a determinant of phenicol resistance. Three isolates had both bla CARB-7 and catB9. In 27 isolates, five out of six subfamilies of the MATE-family were present. For all isolates no genes conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, macrolides and sulfonamides were detected. The apparent lack of either known antimicrobial resistance traits or mobile genetic elements indicates that in cholera non-epidemic regions of the world, V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 play a minor role as a reservoir of resistance in the environment. The discrepancies between the phenotypic and genome-based antimicrobial resistance assessment show that for V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139, resistance databases are currently inappropriate for an assessment of antimicrobial resistance. Continuous collection of both data over time may solve such discrepancies between genotype and phenotype in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lepuschitz
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Vienna, Austria.,Research Division of Biochemical Technology, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and BioScience Engineering, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandrine Baron
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Ploufragan, France
| | - Emeline Larvor
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Ploufragan-Plouzané-Niort Laboratory, Ploufragan, France
| | - Sophie A Granier
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Fougeres Laboratory, Fougeres, France
| | - Carina Pretzer
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Microbiology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert L Mach
- Research Division of Biochemical Technology, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and BioScience Engineering, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas H Farnleitner
- Research Division of Biochemical Technology, Institute of Chemical, Environmental and BioScience Engineering, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria.,Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - Werner Ruppitsch
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sonja Pleininger
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Indra
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander K T Kirschner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology - Water Microbiology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health, Vienna, Austria
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8
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Kirschner AKT, Pleininger S, Jakwerth S, Rehak S, Farnleitner AH, Huhulescu S, Indra A. Application of three different methods to determine the prevalence, the abundance and the environmental drivers of culturable Vibrio cholerae in fresh and brackish bathing waters. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 125:1186-1198. [PMID: 29856502 PMCID: PMC6175421 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Aims Three cultivation methods were used to study the prevalence and abundance of Vibrio cholerae in Eastern Austrian bathing waters and to elucidate the main factors controlling their distribution. Methods and Results Vibrio cholerae abundance was monitored at 36 inland bathing sites with membrane filtration (MF), a standard most probable number (MPN) approach and direct plating (DP). Membrane filtration yielded the most reliable and sensitive results and allowed V. cholerae detection at 22 sites with concentrations up to 39 000 CFU per 100 ml, all belonging to serogroups other than O1 and O139 and not coding for cholera toxin and toxin coregulated pilus. Direct plating turned out as an easy method for environments with high V. cholerae abundances, conductivity was the only significant predictor of V. cholerae abundance in the bathing waters at warm water temperatures. Conclusions Vibrio cholerae nonO1/nonO139 are widely prevalent in Eastern Austrian bathing waters. Instead of the standard MPN approach, MF and DP are recommended for V. cholerae monitoring. Conductivity can be used as a first easy‐to‐measure parameter to identify potential bathing waters at risk. Significance and Impact of the Study Vibrio cholerae nonO1/nonO139 infections associated with bathing activities are an increasing public health issue in many countries of the northern hemisphere. However, there are only limited data available on the prevalence and abundance of V. cholerae in coastal and inland bathing waters. For monitoring V. cholerae prevalence and abundance, reliable and simple quantification methods are needed. Moreover, prediction of V. cholerae abundance from environmental parameters would be a helpful tool for risk assessment. This study identified the best culture‐based quantification methods and a first quick surrogate parameter to attain these aims.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K T Kirschner
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Water Hygiene, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water & Health, Vienna, Austria.,Research Department Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - S Pleininger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Jakwerth
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Water Hygiene, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water & Health, Vienna, Austria
| | - S Rehak
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
| | - A H Farnleitner
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water & Health, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Technische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria.,Research Department Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - S Huhulescu
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Indra
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Vienna, Austria
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9
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Bliem R, Reischer G, Linke R, Farnleitner A, Kirschner A. Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Vibrio cholerae in Turbid Alkaline Lakes as Determined by Quantitative PCR. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:e00317-18. [PMID: 29625977 PMCID: PMC5960970 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00317-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, global warming has led to a growing number of Vibrio cholerae infections in bathing water users in regions formerly unaffected by this pathogen. It is therefore of high importance to monitor V. cholerae in aquatic environments and to elucidate the main factors governing its prevalence and abundance. For this purpose, rapid and standardizable methods that can be performed by routine water laboratories are prerequisite. In this study, we applied a recently developed multiplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) strategy (i) to monitor the spatiotemporal variability of V. cholerae abundance in two small soda pools and a large lake that is intensively used for recreation and (ii) to elucidate the main factors driving V. cholerae dynamics in these environments. V. cholerae was detected with qPCR at high concentrations of up to 970,000 genomic units 100 ml-1 during the warm season, up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than values obtained by cultivation. An independent cytometric approach led to results comparable to qPCR data but with significantly more positive samples due to problems with DNA recovery for qPCR. Not a single sample was positive for toxigenic V. cholerae, indicating that only nontoxigenic V. cholerae (NTVC) was present. Temperature was the main predictor of NTVC abundance, but the quality and quantity of dissolved organic matter were also important environmental correlates. Based on this study, we recommend using the developed qPCR strategy for quantification of toxigenic and nontoxigenic V. cholerae in bathing waters with the need for improvements in DNA recovery.IMPORTANCE There is a definitive need for rapid and standardizable methods to quantify waterborne bacterial pathogens. Such methods have to be thoroughly tested for their applicability to environmental samples. In this study, we critically tested a recently developed multiplex qPCR strategy for its applicability to determine the spatiotemporal variability of V. cholerae abundance in lakes with a challenging water matrix. Several qPCR protocols for V. cholerae detection have been developed in the laboratory, but comprehensive studies on the application to environmental samples are extremely scarce. In our study, we demonstrate that our developed qPCR approach is a valuable tool but that there is a need for improvement in DNA recovery for complex water matrices. Furthermore, we found that nontoxigenic V. cholerae is present in very high numbers in the investigated ecosystems, while toxigenic V. cholerae is apparently absent. Such information is of importance for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupert Bliem
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
- Armament and Defence Technology Agency, NBC & Environmental Protection Technology Division, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Reischer
- Technische Universität Wien, Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health‡
| | - Rita Linke
- Technische Universität Wien, Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health‡
| | - Andreas Farnleitner
- Technische Universität Wien, Institute of Chemical, Environmental & Bioscience Engineering, Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health‡
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Alexander Kirschner
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
- Interuniversity Cooperation Centre for Water and Health‡
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