Identify and characterize species of Vibrio obtained from A. tuberculosa.. Unveiling Potential Virulence Determinants in Vibrio Isolates from Anadara tuberculosa Through Whole Genome Analysis

The genus Vibrio contains pathogenic bacteria found in marine environments that can cause disease in humans and aquatic organisms, leading to significant economic losses and disease outbreaks in the fishery industry. Despite much work on Vibrio in various marine organisms, no specific studies have been conducted in Anadara tuberculosa (known as “piangua hembra”), a commercially important bivalve species found along Colombia's Pacific coast. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and characterize species of Vibrio obtained from A. tuberculosa. Bacterial isolates were obtained from 14 A. tuberculosa individuals from two locations along the Colombian Pacific Coast. Vibrio isolates were selected and sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) complete genome sequencing. We obtained 17 Vibrio isolates, including V. alginolyticus (n = 2), V. fluvialis (n = 1), V. natriegens (n = 1), V. neocaledonicus (n = 1) and V. parahaemolyticus (n = 12). Whole genome sequence analysis of these isolates revealed the presence of genes conferring resistance to β-lactams, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and macrolides, indicating potential resistance to these antimicrobial agents. Genes associated with virulence were also observed, suggesting the potential pathogenicity of these Vibrio isolates, as well as genes for Type III secretion systems (T3SS) and Type VI secretion systems (T6SS), which play crucial roles in delivering virulence factors and interbacterial competition. These findings shed light on Vibrio genetic determinants and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic potential of these Vibrio isolates.