Molecular Characterization, Antimicrobial Resistance, Biofilm Formation, and Whole-Genome Sequencing of Vibrio spp. Isolated from Shrimp in Noakhali, Bangladesh
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Date
2025-12-15
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Abstract
Shrimp aquaculture is a vital economic sector in Bangladesh. Vibrio species are common
foodborne pathogens that cause gastrointestinal tract inflammation. Multidrug resistance (MDR)
in Vibrio spp. is a major health concern, especially in aquaculture and food chain. This research
examined the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), virulence characteristics, and biofilm-
forming ability of Vibrio species in different retail shrimp samples from Noakhali, Bangladesh. A
total of 241 shrimp samples were collected and studied through culture, molecular and whole-
genome sequencing. Vibrio species were identified in 43.6% of samples, with 29.5% V.
parahaemolyticus and 14.1% V. cholerae. Alarmingly, 70.5% of Vibrio isolates were multidrug-
resistant (MDR) including significant resistance to ampicillin (88.6%), meropenem (81.9%),
cefotaxime (71.4%), and ceftazidime (61.0%). Genotypic screening suggested the presence of
ESBL genes bla-TEM (29.5%) and bla-SHV (10.6%). Biofilm production was positive in 62.9%
of isolates, exhibiting interlink between biofilm strength and multidrug resistance. Virulence gene
profiling demonstrated that all V. cholerae contain hlyA El Tor gene and tlh was prevalent in V.
parahaemolyticus. Whole-genome sequencing of two severe MDR V. parahaemolyticus isolates
identified a comprehensive array of antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, and genetic
determinants associated with biofilm formation. These results underscore the intersection of
pathogenicity, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm development in Vibrio species throughout the
shrimp supply chain, constituting a significant public health issue. The study demonstrates the
necessity for improved antimicrobial control, elevated hygiene standards, and ongoing
surveillance to reduce public health hazards linked to contaminated seafood in Bangladesh.