Characteristics of Vibrio vulnificus isolates from clinical and environmental sources

Researchers have developed multiple methods to characterize clinical and environmental strains of Vibrio vulnificus. The aim our study was use four assays detect virulence factors in from infected patients those surface waters/sediments/oysters South Carolina the Gulf Mexico. vulnificus (n = 81) 171) sources were tested using three real-time PCR designed polymorphisms 16S rRNA, vcg pilF genes a phenotypic method, ability ferment D-mannitol. Although none tests correctly categorized all isolates, differentiation between isolates similar for pilF, vcgC/E rRNA assays, with sensitivities 74.1–79.2% specificities 77.4–82.7%. are comparable efficacy widely used while D-mannitol fermentation test is less discriminatory (sensitivity 77.8%, specificity 61.4%). Overall percent agreement method also lower (66.7%) than overall 3 molecular (78.0%–80.2%). This demonstrated, large, diverse group that could be distinguish most vs isolates; however, additional needed increase accuracy.