Distribution of some virulence related-properties of Vibrioalginolyticus strains isolated from Mediterranean seawater (Bay of Khenis, Tunisia): investigation of eight Vibriocholerae virulence genes

This study characterizes 28 Vibrio alginolyticus strains isolated from seawater from the Seacoast of Monastir (Khenis; Tunisia). V. alginolyticus were isolated using the TCBS modified agar plates and the biochemical activities were tested using RapID NF plus Strips. Proteases activities, hemolysis, antibiotics susceptibility, and adhesion to fish mucus and epithelial cell lines (Hep-2 and Caco-2) were also investigated. Eight Vibrio cholerae virulence genes (toxR, toxS, toxRS, toxT, ctxA, vpi, ace, zot) were investigated by PCR in genomes of V. alginolyticus strains. Most of the studied strains were β-haemolytic and produce many proteolytic enzymes. All isolates described here were resistant to several antibiotics tested. Six strains were able to adhere strongly to both Hep-2 and Caco-2 cell lines. The PCR investigation of V. cholerae genes showed a large distribution among the genomes of all V. alginolyticus strains. The toxR operon was found in 9 V. alginolyticus strains out of 28 studied. Only one strain was positive for the toxS and toxRS respectively. Five strains showed a positive amplification for the virulence pathogenic island (vpi), seven for the toxT, 3 for the ctxA and 9 for the Zonula occludens toxin (zot). The bay of Khenis harbors different genotypes of V. alginolyticus strains who inheritated several virulence genes from autochthones bacteria such as V. cholerae. These strains were able to produce several virulence enzymes and exhibit a high power to adhere to human epithelial cells and fish mucus.