Molecular epidemiology, virulence traits and antimicrobial resistance signatures of Aeromonas spp. in the critically endangered iberochondrostoma iusitanicum follow geographical and seasonal patterns

Grilo, Miguel; Isidoro, Sara; Chambel, Lélia; Marques, Carolina S.; Marques, Tiago A.; Sousa-Santos, C.; Robalo, Joana; Oliveira, Manuela

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/22518

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Molecular epidemiology, virulence traits and antimicrobial resistance signatures of Aeromonas spp. in the critically endangered iberochondrostoma iusitanicum follow geographical and seasonal patterns.PDF		2.07 MB	Adobe PDF	Download

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Abstract(s)

Despite the fact that freshwater fish populations are experiencing severe declines worldwide, our knowledge on the interaction between endangered populations and pathogenic agents remains scarce. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and structure of Aeromonas communities isolated from the critically endangered Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum, a model species for threatened Iberian leuciscids, as well as health parameters in this species. Additionally, we evaluated the virulence profiles, antimicrobial resistance signatures and genomic relationships of the Aeromonas isolates. Lesion prevalence, extension and body condition were deeply affected by location and seasonality, with poorer performances in the dry season. Aeromonas composition shifted among seasons and was also different across river streams. The pathogenic potential of the isolates significantly increased during the dry season. Additionally, isolates displaying clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance phenotypes (carbapenem and fluroquinolone resistance) were detected. As it inhabits intermittent rivers, often reduced to disconnected pools during the summer, the dry season is a critical period for I. lusitanicum, with lower general health status and a higher potential of infection by Aeromonas spp. Habitat quality seems a determining factor on the sustainable development of this fish species. Also, these individuals act as reservoirs of important antimicrobial resistant bacteria with potential implications for public health.

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Research Areas: Infectious Diseases ; Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Keywords

Aeromonas Antimicrobial resistance Virulence Typing Leuciscid Fish

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/22518

Citation

Grilo ML, Isidoro S, Chambel L, Marques CS, Marques TA, Sousa-Santos C, Robalo JI, Oliveira M. 2021. Molecular epidemiology, virulence traits and antimicrobial resistance signatures of Aeromonas spp. in the critically endangered iberochondrostoma iusitanicum follow geographical and seasonal patterns. Antibiotics, 10(7):759. DOI:10.3390/antibiotics10070759