Quality of Water
Hyperthermophilic Bacteria
Bacterial Phylum Proteobacteria
Diversity of Protists I
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Updated: Jul 20, 2025

Quantifying Vibrio cholerae Colonization and Diarrhea in the Adult Zebrafish Model
Published on: July 12, 2018
Carmen Rehm1,2,3, Claudia Kolm1,3,4, Sonja Pleininger5
1Division Water Quality and Health, Karl-Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria.
Non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae (NTVC) is an emerging concern in Austrian bathing waters, particularly in Lake Neusiedler See. This review summarizes findings from the past two decades, showing that NTVC infections are increasing globally and may be linked to rising water temperatures. The study highlights the risk to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. It also discusses the diagnostic tools available for detecting NTVC in both clinical and environmental settings. Researchers found that some Austrian isolates are resistant to common antibiotics, underscoring the need for improved surveillance and public health strategies. The study aims to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about NTVC symptoms and treatment options.
Area of Science:
Background:
Non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae (NTVC) strains have been increasingly reported in various clinical settings. These strains can cause infections in individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. While cholera outbreaks are primarily linked to toxigenic O1 and O139 strains, NTVC infections are rising globally. Factors such as rising water temperatures due to climate change may be contributing to this trend. Despite the growing concern, the specific role of NTVC in Austrian bathing waters remains unclear. Existing studies suggest a need for better understanding of the environmental factors that promote NTVC proliferation. Public health officials require updated diagnostic tools and awareness strategies to address this emerging threat. This paper aims to bridge the gap in knowledge regarding NTVC in Austrian waters.
Purpose Of The Study:
The study seeks to evaluate the presence and potential risks of NTVC in Austrian bathing waters, particularly in Lake Neusiedler See. Researchers aimed to determine whether the frequency of NTVC infections has increased over the past two decades. They also sought to identify environmental conditions that may favor the growth of these bacteria. A key goal was to assess the diagnostic methods currently available for detecting NTVC in both clinical and environmental samples. The study aimed to provide a preliminary public health risk assessment for NTVC in the region. It also aimed to inform healthcare professionals about the symptoms and treatment options for NTVC infections. The researchers wanted to highlight the antibiotic resistance patterns observed in Austrian NTVC isolates. This work contributes to a broader understanding of NTVC as an emerging pathogen in European aquatic environments.
Main Methods:
The researchers conducted a literature review of studies published over the past two decades on V. cholerae in Austria. They focused on clinical reports and environmental monitoring data from bathing waters, particularly Lake Neusiedler See. The study included a summary of current clinical and environmental diagnostic techniques for NTVC. The researchers analyzed trends in NTVC infections and correlated them with environmental data such as water temperature and seasonal patterns. They also reviewed public health reports and case studies from Austrian hospitals. The study included an assessment of the antibiotic resistance profiles of NTVC isolates collected in Austria. The researchers compiled data on the symptoms and clinical outcomes of NTVC infections. They synthesized findings to evaluate the potential public health implications of NTVC in Austrian waters.
Main Results:
The study found that non-toxigenic V. cholerae infections have increased in Austria over the past two decades. Environmental data showed that rising water temperatures may be a contributing factor to the proliferation of these bacteria. Lake Neusiedler See was identified as a potential hotspot for NTVC due to its warm, shallow waters. Clinical reports indicated that NTVC can cause a range of infections, including gastrointestinal and wound infections. The study revealed that older and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of NTVC-related illnesses. Diagnostic methods for NTVC include culture-based techniques and molecular assays such as PCR. The researchers found that some Austrian NTVC isolates exhibit resistance to commonly used antibiotics. These findings suggest a need for improved surveillance and public health measures to address the growing threat of NTVC.
Conclusions:
The study suggests that non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae is emerging as a public health concern in Austrian bathing waters. The increase in NTVC infections may be linked to environmental factors such as rising water temperatures. Lake Neusiedler See appears to be a significant location for NTVC proliferation. The findings indicate a need for updated diagnostic tools and increased awareness among healthcare professionals. The antibiotic resistance patterns observed in Austrian NTVC isolates highlight the importance of monitoring antimicrobial use. The study proposes that public health authorities consider implementing targeted surveillance programs. Further research is needed to fully understand the environmental and clinical dynamics of NTVC. These conclusions support the need for continued monitoring and intervention strategies to mitigate the risks associated with NTVC.
The main concern is the rise in non-toxigenic V. cholerae (NTVC) infections, which can cause various illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations.
Current diagnostic methods include culture-based techniques and molecular assays like PCR for both clinical and environmental samples.
Lake Neusiedler See is a focus due to its warm, shallow waters, which may favor the growth of non-toxigenic V. cholerae.
Older individuals and those with weakened immune systems or preexisting conditions are at higher risk for NTVC infections.
Some Austrian NTVC isolates show resistance to commonly used antibiotics, suggesting a need for careful antimicrobial stewardship.
The study suggests implementing targeted surveillance and public health measures to address the growing threat of NTVC in Austrian waters.