[Mexican phenotype and genotype Vibrio cholerae 01]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Cholera remains a significant public health concern globally.
• Understanding Vibrio cholerae 01 strain characteristics is crucial for effective disease control.
• Mexico experienced cholera outbreaks during the study period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To phenotypically and genotypically characterize Vibrio cholerae 01 strains isolated in Mexico between 1991 and 1993.
• To identify potential epidemiological markers within these strains.
• To investigate serotype and ribotype distribution and changes over time.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and characterization of 26,922 Vibrio cholerae 01 strains.
• Antibiotic sensitivity testing.
• Serotyping (Inaba and Ogawa).
• Toxigenicity testing (ELISA, PCR, cell culture).
• Ribotyping.

Main Results:

• All isolates were El Tor biovar.
• High resistance (97%) to furazolidone, streptomycin, and sulfisoxasole was observed, serving as potential markers.
• A significant shift in serotype dominance occurred from Inaba (99.5% in 1991) to Ogawa (95% in 1992).
• Most strains were non-toxigenic.
• Dominant ribotype was 5, with some strains showing patterns 6a and 12. Ribotype 2 was not found.

Conclusions:

• Antibiotic resistance patterns and serotype shifts in Vibrio cholerae 01 provide valuable epidemiological insights.
• Continued bacterial isolation and characterization are essential for supporting cholera surveillance and analysis.
• The findings underscore the dynamic nature of Vibrio cholerae 01 populations and their potential impact on public health.