Molecular characterization, antibiotic resistance pattern and biofilm formation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae isolated from crustaceans and humans

Human infection with pathogenic vibrios is associated with contaminated seafood consumption. In the present study, we examined 225 crustaceans collected from retail markets in Egypt. Stool samples from gastroenteritis patients were also examined. Bacteriological and molecular examinations revealed 34 (15.1%) V. parahaemolyticus and 2 (0.9%) V. cholerae from crustaceans, while V. parahaemolyticus isolates were identified in 3 (3%) of the human samples. The virulence-associated genes tdh and/or trh were detected in 5.9% and 100% of the crustacean and human samples, respectively, whereas the two V. cholerae isolates were positive for the ctx and hlyA genes. Antibiotic sensitivity revealed high resistance of the isolates to the used antibiotics and an average MAR index of 0.77. Biofilm formation at different temperatures indicated significantly higher biofilm formation at 37 °C and 25 °C compared with 4 °C. Frequent monitoring of seafood for Vibrio species and their antibiotic, molecular and biofilm characteristics is essential to improve seafood safety.