While characterizing a related strain, it was noted that there was little difference between the 16S rRNA gene sequences of Bacillus indicus LMG 22858 T and Bacillus cibi DSM 16189 T . Phenotypic characterization revealed differences only in the utilization of mannose and galactose and slight variation in pigmentation. Whole genome shotgun sequencing and comparative genomics were used to calculate established phylogenomic metrics and explain phenotypic differences. The full, genome-derived 16S rRNA gene sequences were 99.74 % similar. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) of the two strains was 98.0 %, the average amino acid identity (AAI) was 98.3 %, and the estimated DNA-DNA hybridization determined by the genomegenome distance calculator was 80.3 %. These values are higher than the species thresholds for these metrics, which are 95 %, 95 % and 70 %, respectively, suggesting that these two strains should be classified as members of the same species. We propose reclassification of Bacillus cibi as a later heterotypic synonym of Bacillus indicus and an emended description of Bacillus indicus.
Pathogenicity islands (PAIs) are large genomic regions that contain virulence genes, which aid pathogens in establishing infections. While PAIs in clinical strains (strains isolated from a human infection) are well-studied, less is known about the occurrence of PAIs in strains isolated from the environment. In this study we describe three PAIs found in environmental Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains, as well as a genomic fitness island found in a Vibrio diabolicus strain. All four islands had markedly different GC profiles than the rest of the genome, indicating that all of these islands were acquired via lateral gene transfer. Genes on the PAIs and fitness island were characterized. The PAI found in V. parahaemolyticus contained the tdh gene, a collagenase gene, and genes involved in the type 3 secretion system II (T3SS2). A V. vulnificus environmental strain contained two PAIs, a small 25 kbp PAI and a larger 143 kbp PAI. Both PAIs contained virulence genes. Toxin–antitoxin (TA) genes were found in all three species: on the V. diabolicus fitness island, and on the V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus PAIs.
Water is essential for all life as we know it, but it can also be the source of dangerous and even fatal diseases, such as those associated with certain Vibrio bacteria. This article focuses on several Vibrio bacteria that are known to cause severe and potentially fatal illnesses, the most high profile of which is cholera. The article begins by discussing how Dr. John Snow first recognized that cholera was a waterborne disease, using data he collected in Victorian Age London. Three prominent disease‐causing Vibrio species: V. cholerae , V. parahaemolyticus , and V. vulnificus are then discussed in some detail in terms of how they cause illness, primarily from seafood consumption, wound infections, and waterborne illness as well as the role climate change may play in terms of impacting the rapid spread of Vibrio illness observed globally the past 25 years. Today environmental scientists and epidemiologist are faced with the same dilemma with climate change and Vibrio bacteria that Sir John Snow was faced with cholera and urbanization in the nineteenth century. Since climate change may be affecting the occurrence, distribution, and even the virulence of these pathogenic organisms, we conclude by discussing how interdisciplinary teams of scientists are developing complex epidemiological tools and forecast models to better inform the public and prevent future Vibrio‐associated illnesses just as Sir John Snow did with cholera.
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