Whole Genome Sequencing of Vibrio alginolyticus: Insights into Virulence and Antimicrobial Resistance

Vibrio alginolyticus is a significant pathogen causing mortality and economic losses in mariculture and illness associated with human gastrointestinal disorders. This paper presents genome characteristics, comparative genome analysis, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance of a virulent V. alginolyticus strain (CMFRI-JF260912) isolated from diseased Asian seabass. A genome size of 5.05Mb consist of two circular chromosomes were revealed following genome sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq pipeline. Comparative analysis with other Vibrio species showed a close phylogenetic distance between CMFRI-JF260912 and Vibrio natriegens. Various virulence factors were identified, including genes related to adhesion, biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and toxin production. Four antimicrobial resistance genes namely tetracycline efflux Na+/H+ antiporter, Type B chloramphenicol O-acetyltransferase, carbenicillin-hydrolyzing class A beta-lactamase (CARB-42) and an oxytetracycline resistance phosphoribosyltransferase were also found. These findings enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of V. alginolyticus and offer valuable insights for mitigating Vibrio infections in aquaculture systems.