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Genome sequence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus: a pathogenic mechanism distinct from that of V cholerae

Kozo Makino1, Kenshiro Oshima, Ken Kurokawa

  • 1Department of Molecular Microbiology, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.

Lancet (London, England)
|March 7, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Vibrio parahaemolyticus causes gastroenteritis and possesses type III secretion system (TTSS) genes, unlike V. cholerae. This genomic difference explains distinct infection mechanisms and clinical symptoms between these related bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative marine bacterium responsible for global food-borne gastroenteritis.
  • Specific serotypes of V. parahaemolyticus have caused a pandemic, and the organism is closely related to Vibrio cholerae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the whole genome sequence of a clinical V. parahaemolyticus strain.
  • To compare the V. parahaemolyticus genome with that of V. cholerae to identify genetic differences.
  • To investigate the role of specific genetic factors in the distinct pathogenicity of V. parahaemolyticus.

Main Methods:

  • Whole genome sequencing of V. parahaemolyticus strain RIMD2210633 using shotgun sequencing.
  • Identification of coding sequences using Gambler and Glimmer programs.
  • Comparative genomic analysis with V. cholerae using MUMmer.

Main Results:

  • The V. parahaemolyticus genome comprises two circular chromosomes (3,288,558 bp and 1,877,212 bp) with 4,832 genes.
  • Significant genomic rearrangements were observed between V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae chromosomes.
  • Genes encoding the type III secretion system (TTSS) were identified in V. parahaemolyticus but absent in V. cholerae.

Conclusions:

  • The type III secretion system (TTSS) is a key virulence factor in bacteria causing gastroenteritis.
  • V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae employ different strategies for infection.
  • The presence of TTSS in V. parahaemolyticus explains its inflammatory diarrhea and potential for systemic infections, differentiating it from V. cholerae's non-inflammatory diarrhea.

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