Genomic diversity of Vibrio spp. and metagenomic analysis of pathogens in Florida Gulf coastal waters following Hurricane Ian

mBio. 2023 Dec 19;14(6):e0147623. doi: 10.1128/mbio.01476-23. Epub 2023 Oct 16.

Abstract

Evidence suggests warming temperatures are associated with the spread of potentially pathogenic Vibrio spp. and the emergence of human disease globally. Following Hurricane Ian, the State of Florida reported a sharp increase in the number of reported Vibrio spp. infections and deaths. Hence, monitoring of pathogens, including vibrios, and environmental parameters influencing their occurrence is critical to public health. Here, DNA sequencing was used to investigate the genomic diversity of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, both potential human pathogens, in Florida coastal waters post Hurricane Ian, in October 2022. Additionally, the microbial community of water samples was profiled to detect the presence of Vibrio spp. and other microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protists, and viruses) present in the samples. Long-term environmental data analysis showed changes in environmental parameters during and after Ian were optimal for the growth of Vibrio spp. and related pathogens. Collectively, results will be used to develop predictive risk models during climate change.

Keywords: Vibrio; Vibrio parahaemolyticus; Vibrio vulnificus; antimicrobial resistance; climate change; hurricane; metagenomics; pathogens; predictive intelligence; virulence; whole-genome sequencing.

MeSH terms

  • Climate Change
  • Cyclonic Storms*
  • Florida
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genome, Bacterial
  • Humans
  • Metagenomics* / methods
  • Seawater* / microbiology
  • Vibrio / classification
  • Vibrio / genetics
  • Vibrio / isolation & purification
  • Vibrio parahaemolyticus* / classification
  • Vibrio parahaemolyticus* / genetics
  • Vibrio parahaemolyticus* / isolation & purification
  • Vibrio vulnificus / classification
  • Vibrio vulnificus / genetics
  • Vibrio vulnificus / isolation & purification