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Updated: Jul 18, 2025

Development of a More Sensitive and Specific Chromogenic Agar Medium for the Detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Other Vibrio Species
Published on: November 8, 2016
Distinct increase in antimicrobial resistance genes among Vibrio parahaemolyticus in recent decades worldwide
Guan-Yu Fang1, Xing-Quan Liu1, Xiao-Jing Mu2
1College of Food and Health, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, 311300, PR China.
Abstract:
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a common pathogen, and has emerged with multiple antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, few studies have conducted large-scale investigations of AMR and virulence trends of V. parahaemolyticus worldwide. This study longitudinally monitored antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs) trends of 1540 V. parahaemolyticus isolates isolated from 1951 to 2021. The number of ARGs in V. parahaemolyticus isolates distinctly increased over the years (P = 5.9e-10), while the number of VFGs decreased significantly (P < 2.2e-16). However, the number of VFGs of isolates isolated from humans has not changed significantly over the years (R = 0.013, P = 0.74), suggesting that the pathogenic risk to humans has not been reduced. Besides, mobile genetic elements are important contributors to ARGs in V. parahaemolyticus (R = 0.34, P < 2.2e-16), but have no promoting effect on VFGs (P = 0.50). The structural equation model illustrated that the human development index promoted the consumption of antibiotics, thereby indirectly promoting an increase in the AMR of the V. parahaemolyticus isolates. Finally, the random forest was performed to predict the ARG and VFG risks of global terrestrial V. parahaemolyticus isolates, and successfully map these threats with over 80% accuracy. This study aimed to evaluate the global risks posed by AMR and virulence, which helps to develop methods specifically targeting V. parahaemolyticus to mitigate these threats.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes in Vibrio parahaemolyticus increased significantly over time, while virulence factor genes decreased, posing ongoing risks to human health. Mobile genetic elements drive AMR, linked to antibiotic use and human development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a significant foodborne pathogen with increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
- Large-scale, longitudinal studies on global AMR and virulence trends in V. parahaemolyticus are limited.
- Understanding these trends is crucial for mitigating public health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal trends of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factor genes (VFGs) in V. parahaemolyticus globally from 1951 to 2021.
- To identify factors contributing to AMR and virulence, including mobile genetic elements and socioeconomic indicators.
- To develop predictive models for assessing global AMR and VFG risks.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of 1540 V. parahaemolyticus isolates spanning 70 years.
- Quantification of ARGs and VFGs using molecular methods.
- Statistical analysis including correlation, regression, and structural equation modeling.
- Random forest modeling for risk prediction and mapping.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in ARGs and a significant decrease in VFGs were observed over time in V. parahaemolyticus isolates.
- VFGs in human-associated isolates showed no significant change, indicating persistent pathogenic potential.
- Mobile genetic elements were strongly associated with ARGs but not VFGs.
- Human development index positively correlated with antibiotic consumption and subsequent AMR.
Conclusions:
- V. parahaemolyticus exhibits increasing AMR, driven by mobile genetic elements and influenced by socioeconomic factors.
- Despite decreasing VFG trends overall, the persistent virulence in human isolates warrants continued vigilance.
- This study provides a global risk assessment framework for V. parahaemolyticus, aiding targeted mitigation strategies.
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