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Vibrio mimicus with multiple toxin types isolated from human and environmental sources
T Ramamurthy1, M J Albert, A Huq
1National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Beliaghata, Calcutta, India.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|March 1, 1994
Summary
This study found that Vibrio mimicus strains can produce multiple toxins simultaneously, including cholera-like toxin (CT) and heat-stable enterotoxin. These bacteria may act as significant genetic reservoirs for toxin production.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Vibrio mimicus is an important bacterial species with clinical and environmental relevance.
- Understanding the toxin-producing potential of V. mimicus is crucial for assessing its pathogenicity and epidemiological impact.
- Previous studies have indicated the presence of various virulence factors in V. mimicus, but a comprehensive analysis of toxin profiles is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectrum of toxin production in a collection of Vibrio mimicus strains.
- To identify strains possessing multiple toxin-encoding genes or producing various toxins concurrently.
- To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of V. mimicus culture supernatants on mammalian cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial strains: 13 Vibrio mimicus strains (clinical and environmental isolates) were analyzed.
- Toxin detection: Assays for cholera-like toxin (CT), haemolysin, and heat-stable enterotoxin (using DNA hybridization).
- Cytotoxicity assays: Vero and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were exposed to culture supernatants.
Main Results:
- One environmental strain produced CT, neutralized by anti-CT immunoglobulin G.
- Five strains produced haemolysin cross-reactive with V. parahaemolyticus thermostable direct haemolysin.
- DNA from two strains hybridized with a probe for heat-stable enterotoxin of V. cholerae non-O1.
- All strains produced a cytotoxic factor affecting Vero and CHO cells.
Conclusions:
- Vibrio mimicus strains can simultaneously produce multiple types of toxins.
- The identified strains represent potential genetic reservoirs for diverse toxin types.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of these toxigenic V. mimicus strains in disease and their potential as a source of novel virulence factors.