Latitudinal Dynamics of Vibrio along the Eastern Coastline of Australia

The marine genus of bacteria, Vibrio, includes several significant human and animal pathogens, highlighting the importance defining factors that govern their occurrence in environment. To determine what controls large-scale spatial patterns among this genus, we examined abundance diversity Vibrio communities along a 4000 km latitudinal gradient spanning Australian coast. We used Vibrio-specific amplicon sequencing assay to define community diversity, as well quantitative PCR digital droplet identify abundances pathogens V. cholera, parahaemolyticus vulnificus. hsp60 analysis revealed differences composition tropical temperate communities. Over 50% species detected, including vulnificus, displayed correlations with either temperature, salinity, or both, different phytoplankton. High levels vulnificus were detected site at Darwin subtropical Gold Coast site, high Sydney site. This study has key ecological determinants coastal communities, insights into distribution within region experiencing shifts due climate change.