Vibrio cholerae Colonization of Soft-Shelled Turtles

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Food Safety
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Vibrio cholerae is a pathogen causing cholera, transmitted via food and water.
• Outbreaks linked to contaminated soft-shelled turtles, particularly serogroup O139, highlight a foodborne disease concern.
• Experimental data on V. cholerae colonization in soft-shelled turtles is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the colonization of Vibrio cholerae on soft-shelled turtles.
• To identify preferred colonization sites on the turtle's body and intestines.
• To determine the roles of specific V. cholerae colonization factors (MSHA, TCP, GBPA) in turtle colonization.

Main Methods:

• Experimental inoculation of soft-shelled turtles with toxigenic V. cholerae strains (O1 and O139).
• Analysis of colonization on body surfaces (carapace, calipash) and intestinal tracts.
• Assessment of the necessity and roles of MSHA, TCP, and GBPA in colonization through mutant strains.

Main Results:

• Vibrio cholerae colonizes both the body surfaces (carapace, calipash) and intestines of soft-shelled turtles.
• Mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA) is crucial for body surface colonization.
• Toxin-coregulated pili (TCP) and N-acetylglucosamine-binding protein A (GBPA) are important for intestinal colonization, while MSHA plays a minor role.

Conclusions:

• Soft-shelled turtles serve as hosts for Vibrio cholerae, contributing to cholera transmission.
• The study elucidates the differential roles of V. cholerae colonization factors in aquatic hosts.
• Soft-shelled turtles show potential as an animal model for studying V. cholerae colonization and adaptation in aquatic environments.