Antibacterial compounds from marine Vibrionaceae isolated on a global expedition

On a global research expedition, over 500 bacterial strains inhibitory towards pathogenic bacteria were isolated. Three hundred of the antibacterial strains were assigned to the Vibrionaceae family. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the phylogeny and bioactivity of five Vibrionaceae strains with pronounced antibacterial activity. These were identified as Vibrio coralliilyticus (two strains), V. neptunius (two strains), and Photobacterium halotolerans (one strain) on the basis of housekeeping gene sequences. The two related V. coralliilyticus and V. neptunius strains were isolated from distant oceanic regions. Chemotyping by LC-UV/MS underlined genetic relationships by showing highly similar metabolite profiles for each of the two V. coralliilyticus and V. neptunius strains, respectively, but a unique profile for P. halotolerans. Bioassay-guided fractionation identified two known antibiotics as being responsible for the antibacterial activity; andrimid (from V. coralliilyticus) and holomycin (from P. halotolerans). Despite the isolation of already known antibiotics, our findings show that marine Vibrionaceae are a resource of antibacterial compounds and may have potential for future natural product discovery.

'Bright-red' syndrome in Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei is caused by Vibrio harveyi

Since July 2005, recurrent outbreaks of vibriosis have occurred in shrimp farms in northwestern Mexico. Moribund Litopenaeus vannamei associated with mass mortalities were lethargic and displayed red discoloration spots on their abdomen, and hence were called 'bright-reds' by farmers. Shrimp submitted for diagnosis were examined using wet tissue mounts, bacteriological assays and their respective minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and histology. A dominant yellow bacterial colony was isolated in thiosulphate citrate bile salts-sucrose (TCBS) agar and identified by molecular methods as Vibrio harveyi strain CAIM 1792. Pathogenicity of the V. harveyi strain was demonstrated in L. vannamei. The lowest MIC against Vibrio isolates from bright-red shrimp was obtained with enrofloxacine (3.01, SD = 5.96 pg ml(-1)). Histology detected severe necrosis in lymphoid organ tubules, muscle fibers, and connective tissue, as well as melanization and hemocytic nodules associate with microcolonies of Gram-negative bacilli. Bacteria from severely affected shrimp were dispersed from the haemocoel to other tissues causing a systemic vibriosis. The data indicate that V. harveyi strain CAIM 1792 is the cause of bright-red syndrome (BRS) and represents a threat to the Mexican shrimp farming industry.

Cloning and sequencing of alginate lyase genes from deep-sea strains of Vibrio and Agarivorans and characterization of a new Vibrio enzyme

Four alginate lyase genes were cloned and sequenced from the genomic DNAs of deep-sea bacteria, namely members of Vibrio and Agarivorans. Three of them were from Vibrio sp. JAM-A9m, which encoded alginate lyases, A9mT, A9mC, and A9mL. A9mT was composed of 286 amino acids and 57% homologous to AlxM of Photobacterium sp. A9mC (221 amino acids) and A9mL (522 amino acids) had the highest degree of similarity to two individual alginate lyases of Vibrio splendidus with 74% and 84% identity, respectively. The other gene for alginate lyase, A1mU, was shotgun cloned from Agarivorans sp. JAM-A1m. A1mU (286 amino acids) showed the highest homology to AlyVOA of Vibrio sp. with 76% identity. All alginate lyases belong to polysaccharide lyase family 7, although, they do not show significant similarity to one another with 14% to 58% identity. Among the above lyases, the recombinant A9mT was purified to homogeneity and characterized. The molecular mass of A9mT was around 28 kDa. The enzyme was remarkably salt activated and showed the highest thermal stability in the presence of NaCl. A9mT favorably degraded mannuronate polymer in alginate. We discussed substrate specificities of family 7 alginate lyases based on their conserved amino acid sequences.

Occurrence and seasonality of Vibrio aestuarianus in sediment and Crassostrea gigas haemolymph at two oyster farms in France

Vibrio aestuarianus is frequently found in coastal areas and can infect and induce mortalities in the pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. However, nothing is known about its distribution and seasonality in the estuarine environment, especially where oyster farming is practiced. Its occurrence was investigated in sediment and oyster haemolymph at 2 oyster farms in Brittany (France) over 2 yr during 2 periods, from June to September 2007 and from February to June 2008. Total heterotrophic bacteria (HB) were cultured on marine agar while total Vibrio spp. and V aestuarianus were selectively numerated using thiosulfate citrate bile salts sucrose agar (TCBS agar) and the species-specific hybridisation method, respectively. PCR was performed to detect V aestuarianus in sediment when it became unculturable. Both total Vibrio spp. and V aestuarianus had a seasonal trend. The highest concentrations were recovered in the warmest months. Its abundance ranged from 10(2) to 4 x 10(5) CFU ml(-1) in haemolymph and from 10(3) to 1 x 10(4) CFU g(-1) in the sediment. Temperature was the main factor influencing the concentration of Vibrio spp. and V. aestuarianus in the sediment. Thus V aestuarianus might subsist during the cold seasons in the sediment, from which it can emerge when environmental conditions became favourable.

Intestinal microbiota diversity of the flat fish Solea senegalensis (Kaup, 1858) following probiotic administration

Pleuronectiforms are an important group of fish, and one of their species, Solea senegalensis (Kaup 1858), has been extensively studied at different levels, although information about its intestinal microbiota and the effects of different factors on it is very scarce. Modern aquaculture industry demands strategies which help to maintain a microbiologically healthy environment and an environmentally friendly aquaculture. In this context, probiotics seem to offer an attractive alternative. The intake of probiotics could modify the composition of the intestinal microbiota, which is a key component in excluding potential invaders and maintaining health. The aim of this study was to evaluate by 16S rRNA gene analysis using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis the effect of administering fresh or lyophilized cells of Pdp11 on the intestinal microbiota of farmed Senegalese sole, using sodium alginate to facilitate the incorporation of bacterial cells to the feed. The results obtained showed that the composition of fish intestinal microbiota was affected when fish received a diet supplemented with sodium alginate and fresh or lyophilized probiotic cells. In all cases, the dominant bacterial groups belonged to γ-Proteobacteria and mainly the Vibrio species. The use of sodium alginate reduced the incidence of populations with <97% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity to uncultured microorganisms in the intestinal microbiota until non-detected limits. On the other hand, the supplementation of the diet with probiotics produced an increase of the predominant species related to Vibrio genus.

A large-scale epidemiological study to identify bacteria pathogenic to Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and correlation between virulence and metalloprotease-like activity

A 4-year bacteriological survey (2003-2007) of four molluscs cultivated in France and faced with mortality episodes was performed by the French shellfish pathology network. The more abundant bacteria isolated during 92 mortality episodes, occurring mainly in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, were identified by genotyping methods. It allowed us both to confirm the representativeness of Vibrio splendidus and Vibrio aestuarianus bacterial strains and to identify both a large number of Vibrio harveyi-related strains mainly detected during 2007 oyster mortality outbreaks and to a lesser extent bacterial strains identified as Shewanella colwelliana. Because metalloprotease has been reported to constitute a virulence factor in a few Vibrio strains pathogenic for C. gigas, several bacterial strains isolated in this study were screened to evaluate their pathogenicity in C. gigas spat by experimental infection and their ability to produce metalloprotease-like activity in the culture supernatant fluids. A high level (84%) of concordant results between azocaseinase activities and virulence of strains was obtained in this study. Because bacterial metalloprotease activities appeared as a common feature of pathogenic bacteria strains associated with mortality events of C. gigas reared in France, this phenotypic test could be useful for the evaluation of virulence in bacterial strains associated with such mortality episodes.

Proteorhodopsin phototrophy promotes survival of marine bacteria during starvation

Proteorhodopsins are globally abundant photoproteins found in bacteria in the photic zone of the ocean. Although their function as proton pumps with energy-yielding potential has been demonstrated, the ecological role of proteorhodopsins remains largely unexplored. Here, we report the presence and function of proteorhodopsin in a member of the widespread genus Vibrio, uncovered through whole-genome analysis. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the Vibrio strain AND4 obtained proteorhodopsin through lateral gene transfer, which could have modified the ecology of this marine bacterium. We demonstrate an increased long-term survival of AND4 when starved in seawater exposed to light rather than held in darkness. Furthermore, mutational analysis provides the first direct evidence, to our knowledge, linking the proteorhodopsin gene and its biological function in marine bacteria. Thus, proteorhodopsin phototrophy confers a fitness advantage to marine bacteria, representing a novel mechanism for bacterioplankton to endure frequent periods of resource deprivation at the ocean's surface.

[Isolation and identification of the pathogenic strain of Vibrio harveyi from Miichthys miiuy]

OBJECTIVE

An outbreak of disease on the cultured Miichthys miiuy occurred in Zhoushan of Zhejiang province. The symptom displayed as skin ulceration and the inside apparatus turned white.

METHODS

We isolated a dominant bacterial strain from the diseased Miichthys and assigned it as strain 090212. The artificial infection test proved that the isolate 090212 was the pathogenic bacterium that caused the disease. We applied physiological and biochemical characterization and API system in the bacterial classification. In order to confirm the result, we amplified a 1458bp sequence of 090212' s 16S rDNA and compared with other Vibrio in GenBank.

RESULTS

The results turned out that 090212 was Gram negative and short rod with single polar flagellum. Homology analysis and phylogenetic study showed that strain 090212 had the highest similarity to Vibrio harveyi, with 99% identity. The sensitivity test of strain 090212 to 28 kinds of antibiotics revealed that the pathogen was sensitive to drugs such as Florfenicol and Tetracycline.

CONCLUSION

This paper revealed for the first time that the causative pathogen, Vibrio harveyi, lead to the mass mortality of Miichthys, which will be helpful in the disease control and health management during Miichthys cultivation.

On the origins of a Vibrio species

Thirty-two genome sequences of various Vibrionaceae members are compared, with emphasis on what makes V. cholerae unique. As few as 1,000 gene families are conserved across all the Vibrionaceae genomes analysed; this fraction roughly doubles for gene families conserved within the species V. cholerae. Of these, approximately 200 gene families that cluster on various locations of the genome are not found in other sequenced Vibrionaceae; these are possibly unique to the V. cholerae species. By comparing gene family content of the analysed genomes, the relatedness to a particular species is identified for two unspeciated genomes. Conversely, two genomes presumably belonging to the same species have suspiciously dissimilar gene family content. We are able to identify a number of genes that are conserved in, and unique to, V. cholerae. Some of these genes may be crucial to the niche adaptation of this species.

Changes induced by two strains of Vibrio splendidus in haemocyte subpopulations of Mya arenaria, detected by flow cytometry with LysoTracker

Flow-cytometric characterisation of bivalve haemocytes is usually performed by light-scatter profiles based on size and complexity of the cells. Additional means of characterisation such as specific fluorescent dyes are not commonly used to discriminate cell subpopulations in challenged and unchallenged haemocytes. In the present study, we characterise the changes in haemocyte subpopulations of soft-shell clam Mya arenaria induced by in vivo challenge with 2 strains of Vibrio splendidus by using a fluorescent probe. Responses were measured 24 h after infection with either a local wild strain (7SHRW) or a modification (LGP32-GFP) of a strain associated with oyster mortalities in France (LGP32). Changes in haemocyte subpopulations were analysed using flow cytometry based on 2-parameter scatter profiles and lysosomal content reflected by LysoTracker staining. Forward and side-scatter profiles revealed 2 haemocyte subpopulations: hyalinocytes and granulocytes. Granulocytes exhibited significantly higher levels of lysosomal staining (p < 0.01). Following infection with LGP32-GFP, both subpopulations merged into a single continuous group and their lysosomal content significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Independent modifications after infection were observed in the proportions of subpopulations established by their lysosomal content. While the subpopulation of hyalinocytes had lower levels of lysosomal content after infection, especially with LGP32-GFP (p < 0.001), the subpopulation of granulocytes had similar levels of lysosomes after infection with 7SHRW and significantly decreased levels after infection with LGP32-GFP (p = 0.001). Our data suggest specific modulation of bivalve responses against pathogenic bacteria that would include degranulation.

Analysis of RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB) gene sequences for the discriminative power of marine Vibrio species

In the present study, we sequenced the RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB) gene of marine Vibrio species and assessed its discriminative power in identifying vibrios. Both the rpoB and 16S rRNA sequences of 29 phenotypically different Vibrio strains isolated from coastal waters were determined. Molecular and phylogenetic comparisons of the sequences of these two genes classified the 29 strains into 11 different species. The resolution of the Vibrio spp. on the rpoB phylogenetic tree was approximately three times greater than that on the 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree. Moreover, by comparing the rpoB sequences of 98 marine gamma-Proteobacteria, including 38 marine Vibrio species, Vibrio-specific primers were developed to amplify a 730-bp fragment of the rpoB gene. Using these primers, we successfully detected Vibrio signals in environmental samples and determined their relative abundances via comparisons with known standards. This rpoB-targeting polymerase chain reaction assay can be used efficiently to monitor relative Vibrio abundance in marine waters.

Genomic taxonomy of Vibrios

BACKGROUND

Vibrio taxonomy has been based on a polyphasic approach. In this study, we retrieve useful taxonomic information (i.e. data that can be used to distinguish different taxonomic levels, such as species and genera) from 32 genome sequences of different vibrio species. We use a variety of tools to explore the taxonomic relationship between the sequenced genomes, including Multilocus Sequence Analysis (MLSA), supertrees, Average Amino Acid Identity (AAI), genomic signatures, and Genome BLAST atlases. Our aim is to analyse the usefulness of these tools for species identification in vibrios.

RESULTS

We have generated four new genome sequences of three Vibrio species, i.e., V. alginolyticus 40B, V. harveyi-like 1DA3, and V. mimicus strains VM573 and VM603, and present a broad analyses of these genomes along with other sequenced Vibrio species. The genome atlas and pangenome plots provide a tantalizing image of the genomic differences that occur between closely related sister species, e.g. V. cholerae and V. mimicus. The vibrio pangenome contains around 26504 genes. The V. cholerae core genome and pangenome consist of 1520 and 6923 genes, respectively. Pangenomes might allow different strains of V. cholerae to occupy different niches. MLSA and supertree analyses resulted in a similar phylogenetic picture, with a clear distinction of four groups (Vibrio core group, V. cholerae-V. mimicus, Aliivibrio spp., and Photobacterium spp.). A Vibrio species is defined as a group of strains that share > 95% DNA identity in MLSA and supertree analysis, > 96% AAI, < or = 10 genome signature dissimilarity, and > 61% proteome identity. Strains of the same species and species of the same genus will form monophyletic groups on the basis of MLSA and supertree.

CONCLUSION

The combination of different analytical and bioinformatics tools will enable the most accurate species identification through genomic computational analysis. This endeavour will culminate in the birth of the online genomic taxonomy whereby researchers and end-users of taxonomy will be able to identify their isolates through a web-based server. This novel approach to microbial systematics will result in a tremendous advance concerning biodiversity discovery, description, and understanding.

What genomic sequence information has revealed about Vibrio ecology in the ocean--a review

To date, the genomes of eight Vibrio strains representing six species and three human pathogens have been fully sequenced and reported. This review compares genomic information revealed from these sequencing efforts and what we can infer about Vibrio biology and ecology from this and related genomic information. The focus of the review is on those attributes that allow the Vibrios to survive and even proliferate in their ocean habitats, which include seawater, plankton, invertebrates, fish, marine mammals, plants, man-made structures (surfaces), and particulate matter. Areas covered include general information about the eight genomes, each of which is distributed over two chromosomes; a discussion of expected and unusual genes found; attachment sites and mechanisms; utilization of particulate and dissolved organic matter; and conclusions.

Identification of Vibrio harveyi isolated from diseased Asian seabass Lates calcarifer by use of 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing

The grow out of Asian seabass Lates calcarifer in marine net-cages is a popular aquaculture activity in Malaysia. Production of this species is greatly affected by the occurrence of vibriosis, which causes heavy mortality. Generally, young fish are more susceptible; they exhibit anorexia and skin darkening, followed by heavy mortality. The acutely affected older fish may also exhibit bloody lesions around the anus and the base of the fins. Twenty-one bacterial isolates obtained from internal organs (kidney, heart, spleen and liver) of the affected specimens were subjected to phenotypic characterization, testing for antibiotic susceptibility, and 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing. The sequencing result showed that all of the bacterial isolates belonged to Vibrio harveyi. The phenotypic characterization, however, identified 4 of the bacterial isolates as V. harveyi, 16 as V. parahaemolyticus, and 1 as V. alginolyticus. These findings suggest that biochemical features alone cannot be reliably used to identify bacterial pathogens, including V. harveyi, in aquaculture. Antibiotic susceptibility assays showed that some antibiotics, including oxytetracycline, nitrofurantoin, furazolidone, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, nalidixic acid, and oxolinic acid were effective against V. harveyi. Considering the side effects of these antibiotics, however, their use is not recommended in the aquaculture of Asian seabass.

Identification of Vibrio harveyi isolated from diseased cultured wedge sole Dicologoglossa cuneata

We report the first isolation of Vibrio harveyi from wedge sole Dicologoglossa cuneata. The pathogen was recovered from ulcers and internal organs of ailing cultured fish, from 7 different outbreaks between 2004 and 2006. The 15 isolates found were phenotypically characterized using biochemical tests and BIOLOG GN plates, which revealed high phenotypic diversity. Diagnosis was confirmed with PCR using V harveyi specific primers and partial 16S and 23S rRNA gene sequencing. A virulence evaluation of the isolates was also performed using fry and juvenile wedge sole. Significant mortalities were recorded by intraperitoneal injection; however, no mortalities were recorded by bath immersion.

Bacteriocin production by indigenous marine catfish associated Vibrio spp

Fifty strains of genus Vibrio were isolated (identified) from healthy and diseased marine catfish(es). The isolates were screened for bacteriocin (vibriocin) production. About 32% isolates were found bacteriocin producers. The best producer was identified as Vibrio anguillarum AVP10. The maximum production of vibriocin AVP10 was manifested at 29 degrees C at pH 7, after 18-20 h of incubation. Vibriocin activity was enhanced in the presence of citrate-phosphate buffer. The vibriocin AVP10 withstands autoclaving temperature and showed activity even after prolonged chloroform treatment. Proteolytic enzymes inhibited its activity, while lipolytic enzyme had no effect. It was found bioactive only against intrageneric bacterial strains. Mode of action of vibriocin AVP10 varies with the indicator (sensitive) culture used i.e. bactericidal effects was exerted against V. anguillarum AVS9 while bacteriostatic effect was shown against entero-toxigenic E. coli.

Genetic diversity between two Vibrio anguillarum strains exhibiting different virulence by suppression subtractive hybridization

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

Vibrio anguillarum, a halophilic Gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of vibriosis in fish. V. anguillarum strain VIB72 was defined as having high virulence whereas strain CW1 was defined as having low virulence on the basis of their different LD50 values to zebra fish. Suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to identify genetic differences between these two strains.

RESULTS

After screening, 59 subtracted library clones were isolated which were specific for strain VIB72, and the DNA sequences of these clones were determined. Seventeen fragments showed high homology to the genes of known functions in other bacteria. This includes soluble lytic murein transglycosylase, mobilization protein (MobA, MobC), transposase (IS66), resistance-related protein (metallo-beta-lactamase and acetyltransferase family), toxin protein (DT-201 and alveicin A immunity protein), ATP-dependent endonuclease of OLD family like protein, SocE and GTP-binding protein HflX (high frequency of lysogenization). These fragments may represent parts of putative pathogenicity islands (PAIs) in V. anguillarum. The remaining fragments showed no significant homology to any known genes.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that SSH was successful in identifying genetic differences and putative virulence genes among different strains of V. anguillarum.

Water quality and ecological status of the Alcantara River estuary (Italy)

The Alcantara River estuary was studied to obtain the first data on both water quality and ecological status of the only River Park in Sicily (Italy). Water samples were seasonally collected from three selected stations in the estuarine area and from one station at the mouth of the estuary in the marine coastal zone. Picoplankton and picophytoplankton counts were among the highest observed in estuarine environments and in other coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The contribution of picophytoplankton to total picoplankton showed greater variations in freshwater (from 0.53% to 8.6%) than in coastal waters (from 1.8% to 4.3%). Picophytoplankton abundance increased in Alcantara waters in winter. Vibrio and Aeromonas spp. abundances ranged from x10(2) to x10(3) CFU 100 ml(-1) and from x10(3) to x10(5) CFU 100 ml(-1) respectively. Vibrio and Aeromonas spp. counts were independent from the fecal contamination level. Bacterial identification of the isolates revealed the presence of pathogenic and potentially pathogenic Vibrio and Aeromonas spp. for humans and animals.

Pathogenic Vibrio harveyi, in contrast to non-pathogenic strains, intervenes with the p38 MAPK pathway to avoid an abalone haemocyte immune response

Vibrio harveyi is a marine bacterial pathogen responsible for episodic abalone epidemics associated with massive mortalities in France, Japan, and Australia. The aim of this study was the understanding of a possible role of the p38 MAPK in abalone haemocyte responses towards this bacterium. First, the pathogenicity of different V. harveyi strains was compared in both immersion and injection trials, and clear differences were detected. The three strains, ORM4, 04/092, and 05/053, all isolated from moribund abalone, induced up to 80% mortalities in immersion or injection challenges (LD(50) (ORM4) = 2.5 x 10(2) CFU animal(-1)). The two strains, LMG 4044T and LMG 7890 were non-pathogenic towards abalone in immersion trials, and needed very high numbers for killing by intramuscular injections (LD(50) = 8.9 x 10(4) and 1.6 x 10(5) CFU animal(-1), respectively). To start unraveling the mechanism explaining these differences, the p38-MAPK, a keyplayer in antimicrobial immune response, was studied. The non-pathogenic strain, LMG 7890 can be eliminated by abalone haemocytes and induces haemocyte phagocytosis and high ROS production. With different concentrations of a p38-specific inhibitor, SB203580, p38 implication was shown. This inhibitor reduced phagocytosis and ROS induction leading to LMG 7890 proliferation. In the case of the pathogenic ORM4 which can not be eliminated by abalone haemocytes, no phagocytosis and ROS production was induced, and a retarded p38 activation was observed. Taken together, our results suggest that p38 MAPK modulation may be one of the ways of virulent V. harveyi to attack its host and escape abalone immune response.

Re-emergence of Vibrio tubiashii in bivalve shellfish aquaculture: severity, environmental drivers, geographic extent and management

During 2006 and 2007, we documented the re-emergence of severe episodes of vibriosis caused by Vibrio tubiashii in shellfish hatcheries on the west coast of North America. Lost larval and juvenile production included 3 previously undescribed hosts, Pacific (Crassostrea gigas) and Kumamoto (C. sikamea) oysters and geoduck clams Panope abrupta, with a 2007 decline in larval oyster production of approximately 59% in one hatchery. Losses of larval and juvenile bivalves were linked to V. tubiashii blooms in the coastal environment, which were associated with the apparent mixing of unusually warm surface seawater and intermittently upwelled cooler, nutrient- and Vibrio spp.- enriched seawater. The ocean temperature elevation anomaly in 2007 was not clearly linked to an El Niño event, as was a similar episode in 1998. Concentrations of the dominant shellfish-pathogenic vibrios were as high as 1.6 x 10(5) cfu ml(-1) in the cold, upwelled water. The bacteria possessed the genes coding for a protease and hemolysin described for V. tubiashii, and pathogenic isolates secreted these peptides. Lesions resulting from a classic invasive disease and a toxigenic noninvasive disease occurred in oyster and geoduck clam larvae. Management and prevention require reduction of incoming concentrations of the bacteria, reduction of contamination in water and air supplies and in stock chemical solutions, removal of bacterial toxins, and interruption of the cycle of bacterial amplification in the hatchery and in microalgal food supplies.

Multiplex primer-extension assay for identification of six pathogenic vibrios

A multiplex Primer-Extension Reaction (PER) assay, was specifically designed for the identification, of the major human pathogenic Vibrio species (V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. mimicus, V. alginolyticus and V. fluvialis) in fishery products. The assay, directed towards the rpoA gene, was tested on a total of 287 samples representing six Vibrio species and ten non-Vibrio species. The primers used in the preliminary PCR, designed in well conserved regions upstream and downstream of the diagnosis sites, successfully amplified a 284 bp fragment. The diagnosis sites were simultaneously interrogated using a multiplex PER and the results were confirmed by fragment sequencing. The proposed test provides an appropriate tool to monitor the presence of these human pathogenic species in seafood samples and to evaluate the potential hazard for consumers.

Epibiotic Vibrio luminous bacteria isolated from some hydrozoa and bryozoa species

Luminous bacteria are isolated from both Hydrozoa and Bryozoa with chitinous structures on their surfaces. All the specimens of the examined hydroid species (Aglaophenia kirchenpaueri, Aglaophenia octodonta, Aglaophenia tubiformis, Halopteris diaphana, Plumularia setacea, Ventromma halecioides), observed under blue light excitation, showed a clear fluorescence on the external side of the perisarc (chitinous exoskeleton) around hydrocladia. In the bryozoan Myriapora truncata, luminous bacteria are present on the chitinous opercula. All the isolated luminous bacteria were identified on the basis of both phenotypic and genotypic analysis. The isolates from A. tubiformis and H. diaphana were unambiguously assigned to the species Vibrio fischeri. In contrast, the isolates from the other hydroids, phenotypically assigned to the species Vibrio harveyi, were then split into two distinct species by phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and DNA-DNA hybridization experiments. Scanning electron microscopy analysis and results of culture-based and culture-independent approaches enabled us to establish that luminous vibrios represent major constituents of the bacterial community inhabiting the A. octodonta surface suggesting that the interactions between luminous bacteria and the examined hydrozoan and bryozoan species are highly specific. These interactions might have epidemiological as well as ecological implications because of the opportunistic pathogenicity of luminous Vibrio species for marine organisms and the wide-distribution of the hydrozoan and bryozoan functioning as carriers.

[Analysis of molecular biological characteristic of the gene and its flanking sequences, similar with transposase in Vibrio cholerae pathogenicity island, among V. alginolyticus strains]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the gene similar with transposase gene (vpiT) from pathogenicity island of Vibrio cholerae exists in V. alginolyticus strains, and to analyze molecular biological characteristic of the gene and its flanking sequences.

METHODS

PCR detection of the gene, similar with vpiT in pathogenicity island of V. cholerae was done among 94 strains of V. alginolyticus. PCR products from positive strains were directly sequenced. Based on acquired partial sequences, we designed primers for reverse PCR, and got the amplification fragment containing complete gene (valT) from V. alginolyticus E0601, which was similar with vpiT gene. The reverse PCR product was cloned and sequenced, and the acquired sequence was analyzed with bioinformatic methods.

RESULTS

We found that among 94 V. alginolyticus strains, only V. alginolyticus E0601 and E0612, from east coastal areas of Guangdong province, produced predicted positive amplification fragments in PCR detection. Sequencing indicated that amplification fragments from V. alginolyticus E0601 and E0612 had identical DNA sequence (named valT-S1). Sequence valT-S3 from V. alginolyticus E0601, containing complete valT gene and flanking segments, was finally obtained through reverse PCR, cloning, and sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis on valT-S3 suggested that valT was transposase gene, highly similar with vpiT in V. cholerae VPI.

CONCLUSION

According to above result and related references, we believe that valT and its flanking segments were acquired from heterogenous bacteria, and VPI or its component probably transfers among Vibrio species including V. alginolyticus.

Vibrio tapetis-like strain isolated from introduced Manila clams Ruditapes philippinarum showing symptoms of brown ring disease in Norway

The Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum was introduced to Norway in 1987 and was produced in 2 hatcheries until 1991. Clam seed was planted at 6 sites. Two sites were on the Island of Tysnes, south of Bergen. Surviving adult Manila clams were recovered in 1995 and 1996. In the present study, Manila clams from the original seeding that displayed morphological signs of brown ring disease (BRD) were recovered in June 2003 (n=7) and in June 2004 (n=17). Samples from extrapallial fluid, tissues and haemolymph were inoculated on marine agar. Replicate subcultures on selective media were used to select potential Vibrio tapetis strains, and in total, 190 bacterial strains were isolated. One of these strains clustered within the V tapetis clade and was named NRP 45. DNA:DNA hybridisation with the type strain CECT4600 showed 52.7 and 57.3% DNA:DNA similarity. Hybridisation of NRP 45 and the V tapetis LP2 strain, isolated from corkwing wrasse Symphodus melops, produced 46.6 and 44.4% re-association. Partial gene segments encoding 16S rRNA, gyrase B protein (GyrB) and chaperonin 60 protein (Cpn60) were characterised and compared to CECT 4600. NRP 45 showed 5 differences in the 1416 nucleotides (nt) of the 16S rRNA encoding gene (99.6% similarity), while the GyrB encoding gene had 62 substitutions of 1181 nt compared (94.8% similarity) and the Cpn60 encoding gene had 22 substitutions out of 548 nt compared (96% similarity). This is the first finding of BRD and the first isolation of a V. tapetis-like bacterial strain from a bivalve in Norway.

Detection of marine pathogenic bacterial Vibrio species by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were performed to accomplish quick and accurate detection of Vibrio species. The primers prepared with 16S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer (IGS) region exhibited an excellent species-specificity for Vibrio sp and detected Vibrio sp more successfully than the conventional culture method. Multiplex PCR was also fruitful not only forthe identification of the 5 standard Vibrio sp simultaneously but also for the detection of Vibrio spin the samples collected from the natural environment.

Antigenic and molecular characterization of Vibrio ordalii strains isolated from Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in Chile

Biochemical, serological and molecular properties of a group of 14 Vibrio ordalii strains isolated from cultured Atlantic salmon Salmo salar in Chile in recent years were studied. The characteristics of isolates were compared with the type strain V. ordalii ATCC 33509T. The Chilean V. ordalii represented a biochemically homogenous group; however, some minor differences with the type strain were observed. The serological relationships among isolates, as well as the study of their antigenic determinant (LPS) revealed a strong reaction with antisera raised against Atlantic salmon strains and the antiserum raised against Listonella anguillarum serotype O2. However, LPS electrophoretic patterns were completely different from the V. ordalii type strain, regardless of the serum employed, suggesting the possibility that the Chilean strains constitute a new serological subgroup within this bacterial species. Genetic analyses by PFGE, RAPD, REP-PCR and ERIC-PCR demonstrated that all V. ordalii strains were genetically homogenous, displaying similar DNA patterns, regardless of the techniques used. Moreover, the analysis of DNA banding patterns generated by ERIC-PCR and REP-PCR also clearly separated the type strain from the Chilean strains. This is the first report of characterization of V. ordalii strains from the Southeastern Pacific area, the results of which should facilitate the development of vaccines for protecting cultured Atlantic salmon against vibriosis in this area.

Interference with the quorum sensing systems in a Vibrio harveyi strain alters the growth rate of gnotobiotically cultured rotifer Brachionus plicatilis

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of Vibrio harveyi strains on the growth rate of the gnotobiotically cultured rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, and to establish whether quorum sensing is involved in the observed phenomena.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Gnotobiotic B. plicatilis sensu strictu, obtained by hatching glutaraldehyde-treated amictic eggs, were used as test organisms. Challenge tests were performed with 11 V. harveyi strains and different quorum sensing mutants derived from the V. harveyi BB120 strain. Brominated furanone [(5Z)-4-bromo-5-(bromomethylene)-3-butyl-2(5H)-furanone] as a quorum sensing inhibitor was tested in Brachionus challenge tests. Some V. harveyi strains, such as strain BB120, had a significantly negative effect on the Brachionus growth rate. In the challenge test with MM77, an isogenic strain of BB120 in which the two autoinducers (HAI-1 and AI-2) are both inactivated, no negative effect was observed. The effect of single mutants was the same as that observed in the BB120 strain. This indicates that both systems are responsible for the growth-retarding (GR) effect of the BB120 strain towards Brachionus. Moreover, the addition of an exogenous source of HAI-1 or AI-2 could restore the GR effect in the HAI-1 and AI-2 nonproducing mutant MM77. The addition of brominated furanone at a concentration of 2.5 mg l(-1) could neutralize the GR effect of some strains such as BB120 and VH-014.

CONCLUSIONS

Two quorum sensing systems in V. harveyi strain BB120 (namely HAI-1 and AI-2-mediated) are necessary for its GR effect on B. plicatilis. With some other V. harveyi strains, however, growth inhibition towards Brachionus does not seem to be related to quorum sensing.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Interference with the quorum sensing system might help to counteract the GR effect of some V. harveyi strains on Brachionus. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the positive effect of halogenated furanone in nongnotobiotic Brachionus cultures and eventually, in other segments of the aquaculture industry.

Vibrio rhizosphaerae sp. nov., a red-pigmented bacterium that antagonizes phytopathogenic bacteria

Two novel red-pigmented Vibrio strains, MSSRF3T and MSSRF10, with antibacterial activity against phytopathogens were isolated from the rhizosphere region of mangrove-associated wild rice (Porteresia coarctata Tateoka), in Pichavaram, India. The cells were Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic and rod-shaped and were motile by means of single polar flagella. The two strains were catalase-positive and oxidase-negative, and were able to grow in 0.1–10 % NaCl (with optimum growth in 2 % NaCl) and at temperatures of 20–42 °C (optimum growth at 25–30 °C). Both strains produced acid and gas from d-glucose under anaerobic conditions and utilized a wide range of compounds as sole carbon and energy sources. The DNA G+C contents determined were 51.3 mol% for strain MSSRF3T and 51.0 mol% for strain MSSRF10. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA, rpoA, recA and pyrH gene sequences showed that strains MSSRF3T and MSSRF10 belong to the genus Vibrio and are very closely related to Vibrio ruber JCM 11486T, with which they share 98.3–98.5 % (16S rRNA), 98.3–99.7 % (rpoA), 90.2–99.8 % (recA) and 91.3–99.4 % (pyrH) gene sequence similarities, respectively. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness were 44 % between strains MSSRF3T and MSSRF10, 80 % between strain MSSRF10 and V. ruber JCM 11486T and 45 % between strain MSSRF3T and V. ruber JCM 11486T. Strain MSSRF3T was phenotypically similar to V. ruber JCM 11486T. However, the inability to reduce nitrate to nitrite, the ability to grow in 0.1 % NaCl and the presence of caseinase were characteristics that allowed differentiation between V. ruber JCM 11486T and strain MSSRF3T. In addition, strain MSSRF3T could be differentiated from strain MSSRF10 and its closest relative V. ruber JCM 11486T with respect to its genomic fingerprinting analysis (random amplified polymorphic DNA, GTG5, BOX, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and ribotyping). Therefore, based on phenotypic, genotypic, phylogenetic and DNA–DNA hybridization analyses, strain MSSRF3T (=LMG 23790T=DSM 18581T) should be classified as representing the type strain of a novel species of the genus Vibrio, for which the name Vibrio rhizosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed.

[Cloning and analysis of the Vibrio harveyi dam gene]

The DNA adenine methylase (dam) gene was cloned by degenerate PCR from Vibrio harveyi strain T4. The gene was 840bp in length and encoded a putative protein of 279 amino acids that shared relatively high homology with the Dam of other Vibrios, especially with that of V. parahaemolyticus (96% in identity). The V. harveyi dam gene was subcloned into plasmid pBR322 and the resulting plasmid pBD was introduced into the E. coli strain ER2925 in which the dam gene had been knocked out. Dpn I, Dpn II, and Sau3A I restriction enzyme analysis of the genomic DNA of ER2925 transformed with pBD indicated that the cloned V. harveyi dam gene could functionally complement the E. coli dam mutant and methylate E. coli chromosome at the GATC sites. The 3251 bp upstream region of V. harveyi dam was obtained by genome walking and analyzed at the sequence level. It was found that this 3251 bp region contained two complete open reading frames (ORF): one was of 1101 bp in length and the other was of 1503 bp in length. The predicted amino acid sequence of ORF1101 shared 91% identity with the 3-dehydroquinate synthase of V. parahaemolyticus. The amino acid sequence of ORF1503 shared 80% identity with V. parahaemolyticus DamX. A truncated ORF was found at the upstream of ORF1101, encoding 169 amino acids that shared 94% identity with the shikimate kinase of V. parahaemolyticus. These three genes, together with dam, were arranged in the order of shikimate kinase-3-dehydroquinate synthase-damX-dam. The region immediate upstream of the V. harveyi dam structural gene was cloned in three fragments of different length: 78bp, 112 bp and 477bp (named P78, P112, and P477, respectively) and tested for promoter activity. The results showed that, while all the three fragments had detectable promoter activities, the activity of P78 appeared to be higher than that of P112 and P477.

Identification and pathogenicity of Vibrio ponticus affecting cultured Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus (Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes)

AIMS

To rapidly determine the causative agent of mass death in Lateolabrax japonicus in Zhelin Bay of Guangdong Province in China in April 2004.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-six strains, numbered sequentially from RP01 to RP36, were isolated from six diseased fish. All of the strains were identified as being of the same vibrio species according to the results of universal primer PCR combined with DGGE (UPPCR-DGGE). RP30 was one of these strains that was randomly selected and analysed by using a morphological, physiological and biochemical plate, Biolog GN2 Microplate System and API 20E system. Furthermore, RP30' 16S rDNA was sequenced and aligned in Genbank. Its virulence to Lateolabrax japonicus (Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes) was also tested. RP30 is most closely related to four Vibrio ponticus strains (99.3% similarity). LD50s were 2.5 (x103 CFU per fish for intraperitoneal inoculation (IP) and 3.2 (x103 CFU per fish for intramuscular inoculation (IM), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The investigated pathogenic agent of Lateolabrax japonicus (Cuvier in Cuvier and Valenciennes) was V. ponticus.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

UPPCR-DGGE is very helpful in epidemiologic investigation. Interestingly, this is the first report that V. ponticus infects cultured marine fish. DGGE was likewise first introduced to epidemiologic investigation of fish disease.

Co-occurrence of viral and bacterial pathogens in disease outbreaks affecting newly cultured sparid fish

Several microbial disease outbreaks in farm stocks of newly cultured sparid fish species, such as common seabream, redbanded seabream, and white seabream, were recorded from 2004 to 2006. This study describes the isolation and characterization of the potential causative agents, either bacteria or viruses, of these outbreaks. The isolated bacterial strains were characterized according to traditional taxonomical analyses and sequencing of a 16S rDNA fragment. Most bacteria were identified as Vibrio spp. and Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae. The development of cytopathic effects (CPE) on different fish cell lines, the application of specific nested-PCR tests for infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), viral nervous necrosis virus (VNNV) and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), and subsequent sequence analyses were used for virus detection and identification. VNNV, related to the striped jack neural necrosis virus (SJNNV) genotype, and VHSV, related to the genotype Ia, were the only viruses detected. VNNV was isolated from the three fish species under study in five different outbreaks, whereas VHSV was isolated from common seabream and white seabream during two of these outbreaks. IPNV was not detected in any case.

A new esterase showing similarity to putative dienelactone hydrolase from a strict marine bacterium, Vibrio sp. GMD509

Vibrio sp. GMD509, a marine bacterium isolated from eggs of the sea hare, exhibited lipolytic activity on tributyrin (TBN) plate, and the gene representing lipolytic activity was cloned. As a result, an open reading frame (ORF) consisting of 1,017 bp (338 aa) was found, and the deduced amino acid sequence of the ORF showed low similarity (< 20%) to alpha/beta hydrolases such as dienelactone hydrolases and esterase/lipase with G-X(1)-S-X(2)-G sequence conserved. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the protein belonged to a new family of esterase/lipase together with various hypothetical proteins. The enzyme was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. The purified enzyme (Vlip509) showed the best hydrolyzing activity toward p-nitrophenyl butyrate (C(4)) among various p-nitrophenyl esters (C(2) to C(18)), and optimal activity of Vlip509 occurred at 30 degrees C and pH 8.5, respectively. Kinetic parameters toward p-nitrophenyl butyrate were determined as K (m) (307 muM), k (cat) (5.72 s(-1)), and k (cat)/K (m) (18.61 s(-1) mM(-1)). Furthermore, Vlip509 preferentially hydrolyzed the S-enantiomer of racemic ofloxacin ester. Despite its sequence homology to dienelactone hydrolase, Vlip509 showed no dienelactone hydrolase activity. This study represents the identification of a novel lipolytic enzyme from marine environment.

Inferring the evolutionary history of vibrios by means of multilocus sequence analysis

We performed the first broad study aiming at the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of vibrios by means of multilocus sequence analysis of nine genes. Overall, 14 distinct clades were recognized using the SplitsTree decomposition method. Some of these clades may correspond to families, e.g., the clades Salinivibrio and Photobacteria, while other clades, e.g., Splendidus and Harveyi, correspond to genera. The common ancestor of all vibrios was estimated to have been present 600 million years ago. We can define species of vibrios as groups of strains that share >95% gene sequence similarity and >99.4% amino acid identity based on the eight protein-coding housekeeping genes. The gene sequence data were used to refine the standard online electronic taxonomic scheme for vibrios (http://www.taxvibrio.lncc.br).

Screening and evaluation of probiotics as a biocontrol agent against pathogenic Vibrios in marine aquaculture

AIMS

The present work aims at finding potential probionts from marine sources as a biocontrol agent against pathogenic Vibrio species in shrimp larval culture.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 109 bacterial strains were isolated from seawater, sediment and marine fish-gut samples, and were screened for their antagonistic activity against Vibrio species. Three strains (Q, Q1 and M) isolated from the marine sediment were found antagonistic against Vibrio strains. Based on 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequence analysis, the strain Q was identified as Paenibacillus spp. (EF012164); Q1 as Bacillus cereus (DQ915582); and the M as Paenibacillus polymyxa (DQ915580). Further, the two bacterial species, Paenibacillus spp. and B. cereus were challenged separately at two different concentrations of 10(4) and 10(5) CFU ml(-1) for probiotic activity in the postlarvae of Penaeus monodon against pathogenic Vibrio harveyi and Vibrio spp.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study identified the probiotic activity of Paenibacillus spp., B. cereus and Pa. polymyxa against the pathogenic Vibrios in the postlarvae of P. monodon.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

In vivo study reveals that the marine bacterial species can be used as probionts against pathogenic Vibrios in shrimp larval culture practices.

Inhibition of Vibrio biofilm formation by a marine actinomycete strain A66

China remains by far the largest aquaculture producer in the world. However, biofilms formed by pathogenic Vibrio strains pose serious problems to marine aquaculture. To provide a strategy for biofilm prevention, control, and eradication, extracts from 88 marine actinomycetes were screened. Thirty-five inhibited the biofilm formation of Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio anguillarum at a concentration of 2.5% (v/v). Thirty-three of the actinomycete extracts dispersed the mature biofilm. Six extracts inhibited the quorum-sensing system of V. harveyi by attenuating the signal molecules N-acylated homoserine lactones' activity. Strain A66, which was identified as Streptomyces albus, both attenuated the biofilms and inhibited their quorum-sensing system. It is suggested that strain A66 is a promising candidate to be used in future marine aquaculture.

Rapid and specific identification of 5 human pathogenic Vibrio species by multiplex polymerase chain reaction targeted to dnaJ gene

A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, specifically designed for application in routine diagnostic laboratories, was developed for identifying 5 human pathogen Vibrio species: Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio mimicus, and Vibrio alginolyticus. This assay directed toward the dnaJ gene was tested on a total of 355 strains representing 13 Vibrio species and 17 non-Vibrio species. Specific PCR fragments were produced in isolates belonging to the 5 target species and were absent from all strains other than these 5 species and non-Vibrio strains, indicating a high specificity of this multiplex PCR. The multiplex PCR for the detection of Vibrio pathogens in clinical specimens was experimentally applied to spiked stool samples. Only 1 specific amplicon was observed, corresponding to the pathogen spiked into the stool sample. The detection limitation was 10(5) to 10(6) cells per milliliter stool. Our data showed that this method represented a robust tool for the specific and rapid detection of the 5 major pathogenic Vibrio species.

Sequence polymorphism-based identification and quantification of Vibrio nigripulchritudo at the species and subspecies level targeting an emerging pathogen for cultured shrimp in New Caledonia

In a previous study, we demonstrated the existence of an emerging cluster of Vibrio nigripulchritudo that proved to be associated with shrimp mortality events in New Caledonia. Using sequence polymorphisms evidenced in this previous MultiLocus Sequence Typing study, we developed two new quantitative PCR assays permitting the detection and quantification of V. nigripulchritudo at the genospecies level using SYBR Green I chemistry and at the emerging cluster level using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer technology with hybridization probes. The use of this molecular diagnostic tool evidenced the colonization of the shrimp pond ecosystem by the pathogenic cluster at least at the onset of the disease. This new tool will allow better investigation of the dynamics of this bacterial pathogen in the shrimp farm ecosystem.

Diseases affect cold-water corals too: Eunicella verrucosa (Cnidaria: Gorgonacea) necrosis in SW England

The first recorded incidence of cold-water coral disease was noted in Eunicella verrucosa, a coral on the international 'red list' of threatened species, at a marine protected area in SW England in 2002. Video surveys of 634 separate colonies at 13 sites revealed that disease outbreaks were widespread in SW England from 2003 to 2006. Coenchyme became necrotic in diseased specimens, leading to tissue sloughing and exposing skeletal gorgonin to settlement by fouling organisms. Sites where necrosis was found had significantly higher incidences of fouling. No fungi were isolated from diseased or healthy tissue, but significantly higher concentrations of bacteria occurred in diseased specimens. Of 21 distinct bacteria isolated from diseased tissues, 19 were Vibrionaceae, 15 were strains of Vibrio splendidus and 2 others closely matched Vibrio tasmaniensis. Vibrios isolated from E. verrucosa did not induce disease at 15 degrees C, but, at 20 degrees C, controls remained healthy and test gorgonians became diseased, regardless of whether vibrios were isolated from diseased or healthy colonies. Bacteria associated with diseased tissue produced proteolytic and cytolytic enzymes that damaged E. verrucosa tissue and may be responsible for the necrosis observed. Monitoring at the site where the disease was first noted showed new gorgonian recruitment from 2003 to 2006; some individuals had died and become completely overgrown, whereas others had continued to grow around a dead central area.

The dnaJ gene as a novel phylogenetic marker for identification of Vibrio species

The utility of the dnaJ gene for identifying Vibrio species was investigated by analyzing dnaJ sequences of 57 type strains and 22 clinical strains and comparing sequence homologies with those of the 16S rDNA gene and other housekeeping genes (recA, rpoA, hsp60). Among the 57 Vibrio species, the mean sequence similarity of the dnaJ gene (77.9%) was significantly less than that of the 16S rDNA gene (97.2%), indicating a high discriminatory power of the dnaJ gene. Most Vibrio species were, therefore, differentiated well by dnaJ sequence analysis. Compared to other housekeeping genes, the dnaJ gene showed better resolution than recA or rpoA for differentiating Vibrio coralliilyticus from Vibrio neptunius and Vibrio harveyi from Vibrio rotiferianus. Among the clinical strains, all 22 human pathogenic strains, including an atypical strain, were correctly identified by the dnaJ sequence. Our findings suggest that analysis of the dnaJ gene sequence can be used as a new tool for the identification of Vibrio species.

Vibrio litoralis sp. nov., isolated from a Yellow Sea tidal flat in Korea

Two Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterial strains, MANO22D(T) and MANO22P, were isolated from a tidal flat area of Dae-Chun, Chung-Nam, Korea. The isolates were rod-shaped and were motile by means of one or more polar flagella. They grew at 1-12 % NaCl, 4-45 degrees C and pH 4.1-8.8 and were oxidase-positive, arginine dihydrolase-negative and sensitive to the vibriostatic agent O/129. The isolates required Na(+) for growth, produced acid, but no gas, from D-glucose under anaerobic conditions and utilized a wide range of compounds as sole carbon and energy sources. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strains belong to the Gammaproteobacteria and are specifically related to Vibrio species. They were most closely related to Vibrio rumoiensis FERM P-14531(T), with which they were found to share 98.65 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. In the phylogenetic tree, the two novel strains comprised a relatively long subline of descent, sharing a branching point with the outlying species V. rumoiensis, and were found to occupy a phylogenetically distant position on the main Vibrio branch. The levels of DNA-DNA hybridization with respect to V. rumoiensis FERM P-14531(T), which is their most closely related phylogenetically related Vibrio species, were 7.4 % (MANO22D(T)) and 3.9 % (MANO22P). Thus, the two novel isolates appear to represent a novel species within the genus Vibrio, for which the name Vibrio litoralis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MANO22D(T) (=KCTC 12520(T)=DSM 17657(T)).

gyrA and parC Mutations and associated quinolone resistance in Vibrio anguillarum serotype O2b strains isolated from farmed Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in Norway

MIC testing of Vibrio anguillarum isolates recovered from diseased farmed Atlantic cod revealed oxolinic acid MICs of < or =0.001, 0.06, and 16 microg ml(-1). Single gyrA Ser-Ile substitutions were identified at position 83 of the intermediate and resistant strains, while a parC Ser-Leu substitution at position 85 was found only in the resistant strain.

Multilocus sequence analysis reveals that Vibrio harveyi and V. campbellii are distinct species

Identification and classification of Vibrio species have relied upon band pattern methods (e.g., amplified fragment length polymorphism) and DNA-DNA hybridization. However, data generated by these methods cannot be used to build an online electronic taxonomy. In order to overcome these limitations, we developed the first standard multilocus sequence scheme focused on the ubiquitous and pathogenic Vibrio harveyi species group (i.e., V. harveyi, V. campbellii, V. rotiferianus, and a new as yet unnamed species). We examined a collection of 104 isolates from different geographical regions and hosts using segments of seven housekeeping genes. These two species formed separated clusters on the basis of topA, pyrH, ftsZ, and mreB gene sequences. The phylogenetic picture obtained by the other three loci, i.e., gyrB, recA, and gapA, was more complex though. V. campbellii appeared nested within V. harveyi in the recA trees, whereas V. harveyi formed a tight nested cluster within V. campbellii by gapA. The gyrB gene had no taxonomic resolution and grouped the two species together. The fuzziness observed in these three genes seems not be related to recombination but to low divergence due to the accumulation of only a few substitutions. In spite of this, the concatenated sequences provided evidence that the two species form two separated clusters. These clusters did not arise by recombination but by accumulation of point mutations. V. harveyi and V. campbellii isolates can be readily identified through the open database resource developed in this study (http://www.taxvibrio.lncc.br/). We argue that the species should be defined by evolutionary criteria. Strains of the same species will share at least 95% concatenated sequence similarity using the seven loci, and, most importantly, cospecific strains will form cohesive readily recognizable phylogenetic clades.

Vibrio comitans sp. nov., Vibrio rarus sp. nov. and Vibrio inusitatus sp. nov., from the gut of the abalones Haliotis discus discus, H. gigantea, H. madaka and H. rufescens

Nine alginolytic, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile bacteria were isolated from the guts of the abalonesHaliotis discus discus,H. gigantea,H. madakaandH. rufescens. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that these bacteria were closely related toVibrio superstesG3-29T(98.6–99.3 % sequence similarity). DNA–DNA hybridization and phylogenetic analysis based on thegapAgene demonstrated that six strains constituted one bacterial species, two strains represented a second species and one strain represented a third species. The three novel bacterial species were different from all currently known vibrios. The namesVibrio comitanssp. nov. (type strain GHG2-1T=LMG 23416T=NBRC 102076T; DNA G+C content 45.0–48.0 mol%),Vibrio inusitatussp. nov. (type strain RW14T=LMG 23434T=NBRC 102082T; DNA G+C content 43.1–43.7 mol%) andVibrio rarussp. nov. (type strain RW22T=LMG 23674T=NBRC 102084T; DNA G+C content 43.8 mol%) are proposed to encompass these new taxa. Several phenotypic features were revealed that discriminateV. comitans,V. rarusandV. inusitatusfrom otherVibriospecies.

Amplification and sequence analysis of the full length toxR gene in Vibrio harveyi

This study was focused on obtaining the complete gene sequence of the toxR gene in V. harveyi by using toxR-targeted PCR to amplify 5' and 3' regions flanking the 576-bp Vibrio harveyi (NBRC 15634) toxR gene fragment previously amplified using degenerate PCR. To obtain the 5' flanking sequences, a forward PCR primer (VhtoxRpv) was designed based on known sequences upstream of toxR in V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. The reverse primer (VctoxR2R) was based on the sequence of the 576-bp Vibrio harveyi toxR fragment. The resulting 750-bp amplicon was sequenced, providing the 5' sequences of the V. harveyi (NBRC 15634) toxR gene. The 3' flanking region was amplified using a primer pair toxRS1 and toxRS2 based on V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus toxR and toxS, resulting in a 900-bp amplicon that contained the remaining 3' sequences of the V. harveyi NBRC 15634 toxR. This paper reports, for the first time, a complete 882-bp nucleotide sequence for toxR in Vibrio harveyi. Sequence analysis and alignment revealed that the complete toxR gene in V. harveyi shares 87% sequence similarity with toxR of V. parahaemolyticus, 84% similarity with V. fluvialis, 83% with V. vulnificus and partial sequence of V. campbellii. The phylogenetic trees revealed wider divergence in toxR compared to 16S rRNA genes, so that V. harveyi could easily be distinguished from V. campbellii and V. parahaemolyticus.

Rapid detection of Vibrio species using liquid microsphere arrays and real-time PCR targeting the ftsZ locus

The development of rapid and sensitive molecular techniques for the detection of Vibrio species would be useful for the surveillance of sporadic infections and management of major outbreaks. Comparative sequence analysis of the ftsZ gene in the predominant Vibrio species that cause human disease revealed distinct alleles for each examined species, including Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus. Light Upon eXtension (LUX) real-time PCR assays were developed to target these species-specific polymorphisms, and were successful in rapidly differentiating the major pathogenic Vibrio species. Luminex liquid microsphere array technology was used to develop a comprehensive assay capable of simultaneously detecting V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. These assays permitted the identification of a presumptive V. parahaemolyticus isolate as Vibrio alginolyticus, which was verified using additional molecular characterization.

Species-specific PCR detection of the fish pathogen, Vibrio anguillarum, using the amiB gene, which encodes N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase

Vibrio anguillarum is the causative agent of the fish disease vibriosis and is the most intensely studied species of Vibrio. In the present study, specific primers and a PCR assay were designed to detect V. anguillarum. The primers were designed to amplify a 429-bp internal region of the V. anguillarum amiB gene, which encodes the peptidoglycan hydrolase N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase. PCR specificity was demonstrated by successful amplification of DNA from V. anguillarum and by the absence of a PCR product from 25 other Vibrio strains and various enteric bacteria. The PCR produced a 429-bp amplified fragment from as little as 1 pg of V. anguillarum DNA. The limit of detection for this PCR technique was c. 20 bacterial colonies in 25 mg of infected flounder tissue. These results suggest that this PCR system is a sensitive and species-specific detection method, and is possible to use as a diagnostic tool to detect V. anguillarum.

Differentiation of Aeromonas Isolated from Drinking Water Distribution Systems Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Mass Spectrometry

The genus Aeromonas is one of several medically significant genera that have gained prominence due to their evolving taxonomy and controversial role in human diseases. In this study, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) was used to analyze the whole cells of both reference strains and unknown Aeromonas isolates obtained from water distribution systems. A library of over 45 unique m/z signatures was created from 40 strains that are representative of the 17 recognized species of Aeromonas, as well as 3 reference strains from genus Vibrio and 2 reference strains from Plesiomonas shigelloides. The library was used to help speciate 52 isolates of Aeromonas. The environmental isolates were broken up into 2 blind studies. Group 1 contained isolates that had a recognizable phenotypic profile and group 2 contained isolates that had an atypical phenotypic profile. MALDI-MS analysis of the water isolates in group 1 matched the phenotypic identification in all cases. In group 2, the MALDI-MS-based determination confirmed the identity of 18 of the 27 isolates. These results demonstrate that MALDI-MS analysis can rapidly and accurately classify species of the genus Aeromonas, making it a powerful tool especially suited for environmental monitoring and detection of microbial hazards in drinking water.

Evidence for the involvement of pathogenic bacteria in summer mortalities of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

A study was conducted to investigate the involvement of bacteria in oyster mortalities during summer. Moribund and apparently healthy oysters were sampled during mortality events along the French coast and in rearing facilities, usually when temperature reached 19 degrees C or higher, and oysters were in the gonadal maturation phase. Hemolymph samples were aseptically withdrawn and submitted to bacteriological analysis. In healthy oysters, bacteria colonized hemolymph at low concentrations depending on the location. In most moribund oysters, bacteria were present in hemolymph and other tissues. These bacterial populations were more often diverse in oysters originating from the open sea than from facilities where animals were generally infected by a single type of bacterium. Only the dominant colonies were identified by phenotypic and genotypic characters (RFLP of GyrB gene and partial sequence of 16S rRNA gene). They belonged to a limited number of species including Vibrio aestuarianus, members of the V. splendidus group, V. natriegens, V. parahaemolyticus, and Pseudoalteromonas sp. The most frequently encountered species was V. aestuarianus (56% of isolates), which was composed of several strains closely related by their 16S rRNA gene but diverse by their phenotypic characters. They appeared intimately linked to oysters. The species within the V. splendidus group were less prevalent (25% of isolates) and more taxonomically dispersed. A majority of the dominant strains of V. aestuarianus and V. splendidus group injected to oysters induced mortality, whereas others belonging to the same species, particularly those found in mixture, appeared innocuous.