Vegetable-associated Vibrio strains harbor resistance and virulence genes detected by PCR

Antibiotic-resistant Vibrio strains in commonly consumed vegetables have been linked to recent cholera outbreaks. This study investigated the presence of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in Vibrio species pumpkins, water leaves, and amaranth greens sold at public markets in Ondo...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Babayemi Olawale Oladejo, Michael Tosin Bayode, Tolulope Christianah Oladejo, Zainab Opeyemi Olumuyiwa, Foluke Dorcas Olutoki
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Academia.edu Journals 2025-06-01
Series:Academia Molecular Biology and Genomics
Online Access:https://www.academia.edu/130155303/Vegetable_associated_Vibrio_strains_harbor_resistance_and_virulence_genes_detected_by_PCR
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Summary:Antibiotic-resistant Vibrio strains in commonly consumed vegetables have been linked to recent cholera outbreaks. This study investigated the presence of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in Vibrio species pumpkins, water leaves, and amaranth greens sold at public markets in Ondo city, Nigeria. A total of 125 vegetable samples were randomly collected from three different markets. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to amplify tmp, dfrA5, catB3, flor and zot, trh, and tdh. Genetic diversity among the isolates revealed potential routes of transmission and adaptation in vegetable habitats via phylogeny. Notably, the dihydrofolate reductase gene (tmp) was detected in Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and the dfrA5 gene was detected solely in V. cholerae. The chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene (catB3) was present in all the strains, whereas the florfenicol resistance gene (flor) was identified exclusively in V. alginolyticus. The virulence genes zot, trh, and tdh were identified in these strains, confirming their pathogenicity. Enhancing molecular surveillance through amplified PCR for specific genetic markers, improving biosecurity in vegetable processing, and establishing systematic antibiotic stewardship monitoring could be used to track the spread of genetic elements—tmp, dfrA5, catB3, flor and zot, trh, and tdh—in vegetable-contaminated Vibrio strains effectively. Adopting a One Health approach could also increase food safety to avoid possible cholera outbreaks.
ISSN:3064-9765