Vibrio Species in an Urban Tropical Estuary: Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Interaction with Environmental Parameters, and Possible Public Health Outcomes

Abstract

The genus Vibrio comprises pathogens ubiquitous to marine environments. This study evaluated the cultivable Vibrio community in the Guanabara Bay (GB), a recreational, yet heavily polluted estuary in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Over one year, 66 water samples from three locations along a pollution gradient were investigated. Isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, revealing 20 Vibrio species, including several potential pathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing confirmed resistance to aminoglycosides, beta-lactams (including carbapenems and third-generation cephalosporins), fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines. Four strains were producers of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), all of which carried beta-lactam and heavy metal resistance genes. The toxR gene was detected in all V. parahaemolyticus strains, although none carried the tdh or trh genes. Higher bacterial isolation rates occurred in months marked by higher water temperatures, lower salinities, and lower phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations. The presence of non-susceptible Vibrio spp. was related to indicators of eutrophication and sewage inflow. DNA fingerprinting analyses revealed that V. harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus strains non-susceptible to antimicrobials might persist in these waters throughout the year. Our findings indicate the presence of antimicrobial-resistant and potentially pathogenic Vibrio spp. in a recreational environment, raising concerns about the possible risks of human exposure to these waters.

Antibiotic Sensitivity and Plasmid Assessment of Ampicillin-Resistant Vibrio cholerae from Seafoods in Coastal Areas of Ondo State

“…Two of the three Vibrio tested positive for the production of extended spectrum betalactamases which were identified as Vibrio cholerae were positive and this correlated with the findings of Canellas et al [25] who reported that four strains of tested Vibrio cholerae were producers of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and their antimicrobial susceptibility testing confirmed resistance to aminoglycosides, betalactams (including carbapenems and thirdgeneration cephalosporins), fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines. The report also correlates with the findings of Ceccarelli et al [26] whose finding was positive for detection of Vibrio beta-lactamases producers among screened isolates.…”

Antibiotic and Heavy Metal Susceptibility of Non-Cholera Vibrio Isolated from Marine Sponges and Sea Urchins: Could They Pose a Potential Risk to Public Health?

“…Vibrio spp. are indigenous to the sea, and in recent years, the occurrence of resistance genes in several species has been observed [ 6 , 15 ]. Herein, we observed that V. alginolyticus , previously described as a potential pathogen, was the most frequent species with an antibiotic non-susceptibility phenotype.…”

“…Antibiotic-resistant Vibrio spp. strains, carrying clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), have been isolated from marine environments [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Sometimes, these bacteria can also harbor virulence genes that increase their pathogenic potential [ 7 , 8 ].…”

“…These ARGs and virulence genes can be present on mobile genetic elements associated with heavy metal resistance genes (HMRGs). This mechanism allows the co-selection of bacteria carrying all three, ARGs, virulence genes and HMRGs, and facilitates their persistence and dissemination in environments contaminated with antibiotics and heavy metals [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ].…”

Prevalence of Vibrio species in Sea Foods and Water Sources in Cross River State

“…Infections due to Vibrio species are becoming a global public health menace. The species most commonly involved in human infections include; Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) [15,16].…”