Study reveals the virulence factors and genomic diversity of Vibrio mimicus strains worldwide.
- Vibrio mimicus bacteria can cause diseases in animals and humans, such as gastroenteritis and cholera-like diarrhea, with the main toxigenic factor being cholera toxin carried by CTXФ phage.
- Recent outbreaks in Thailand, the United States, and Florida caused by V. mimicus strains highlight the importance of understanding the virulome associated with these bacteria.
- Analysis of 44 V. mimicus genomes revealed distinct lineages with varying virulence factors, including those carrying CTX, TCP, and other virulence genes.
- The presence of genes like heat-stable enterotoxin and exopolysaccharide production clusters in V. mimicus genomes suggests potential for increased pathogenicity.
- V. mimicus strains worldwide show similarities to V. cholerae bacteria and have the potential to cause disease in humans, highlighting the need for further genomic surveillance.
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Infectious Diseases, Public Health & Prevention, Epidemiology