Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Vibrio cholerae isolates recovered from aquatic environments in the city of Resistencia, Argentina

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21142/SH-02-2025-e004

Keywords:

Vibrio, Recreational waters, Clonality

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to isolate Vibrio cholerae from recreational water sources, characterize them phenotypically and genotypically, study the clonal relationship between the different isolates using molecular methods, and determine the environmental conditions under which the findings were made. For each water sample, pH, temperature, date and time of sampling, and the presence of rainfall up to 72 hours prior to sampling were recorded. The production of different virulence factors and sensitivity to antibiotics were studied. The probable clonal relationship between the isolates was studied using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). From 100 water samples, 16 non-O1 non-O139 V. cholerae isolates were obtained from the Río Negro and Lacoons Francia, Argüello, and Colussi. Alkaline pH and the presence of previous rainfall were related to the finding of this bacteria in the environment. All isolates were sensitive to all antibiotics tested and none presented the CT and TCP virulence factors (ctxA and tcpA El Tor), two isolates were positive for the stn virulence factor. Using PFGE with the restriction enzyme SfiI, 14 different genetic patterns were obtained. The present study confirms the presence of V. cholerae in recreational waters in a region of northeastern Argentina, which reinforces the idea of ​​carrying out surveillance of these pathogens in aquatic environments.

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Author Biographies

  • Luis Antonio Merino, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad NAcional del Nordeste

    Bioquímico

    Doctor en Bioquímica

    Magister en Ciencias del Ambiente y la Salud

    Especialista en Salud Pública

  • María Fernanda Tracogna, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste

    Bioquímica

    Doctora en Biología

    Magister en Micología Médica

    Especialista en Bacteriología Clínica

  • María Lucrecia Gariboglio-Vázquez, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste

    Bioquímica

    Doctora en Biología

    Especialista en Bacteriología Clínica

  • Eduardo José Carpio-Díaz, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste

    Licenciado en bioanálisis

    Doctorando de la Universidad de Buenos Aires

  • Liliana Silvina Lösch, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste

    Bioquímica

    Doctora en Bioquímica

    Magister en Ciencias Médicas Tropicales

    Especialista en Bacteriología Clínica

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Published

2025-08-04

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