Occurrences of pathogenic <i>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</i> from Vellar estuary and shrimp ponds

Abstract

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the predominant seafood pathogen associated with human gastroenteritis. Samples were collected from Vellar estuary, shrimp ponds and shrimp for characterization of V. parahaemolyticus. A total of 26 blue green centre (BG) Vibrio strains were isolated and characterized through biochemical tests, toxR gene and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Based on pathogenic characteristics, six strains were confirmed as pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus. This report implies that preventative measure must be taken before consumption of fish and shrimp.

Keywords: Estuary, shrimp pond, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, protease, haemolysis, toxR gene

African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(14), pp. 1624-1629