Genomic diversity of
Vibrio
spp. and metagenomic analysis of pathogens in Florida Gulf coastal waters following Hurricane Ian
Authors: Brumfield Kyle D. , Usmani Moiz , Santiago Sanneri , Singh Komalpreet , Gangwar Mayank , Hasan Nur A. , Netherland Michael , Deliz Katherine , Angelini Christine , Beatty Norman L. , Huq Anwar , Jutla Antarpreet S. , Colwell Rita R. 
Published: October 2023

Changing climatic conditions influence parameters associated with the growth of pathogenic
Vibrio
spp. in the environment and, hence, are linked to increased incidence of vibriosis. Between 1992 and 2022, a long-term increase in
Vibrio
spp. infections was reported in Florida, USA. Furthermore, a spike in
Vibrio
spp. infections was reported post Hurricane Ian, a category five storm that made landfall in Florida on 28 September 2022. During October 2022, water and oyster samples were collected from three stations in Lee County in an area significantly impacted by Ian.
Vibrio
spp. were isolated, and whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were done, with a focus on
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
and
Vibrio vulnificus
to provide genetic insight into pathogenic strains circulating in the environment. Metagenomic analysis of water samples provided insight with respect to human health-related factors, notably the detection of approximately 12 pathogenic
Vibrio
spp., virulence and antibiotic resistance genes, and mobile genetic elements, including the SXT/R391 family of integrative conjugative elements. Environmental parameters were monitored as part of a long-term time series analysis done using satellite remote sensing. In addition to anomalous rainfall and storm surge, changes in sea surface temperature and chlorophyll concentration during and after Ian favored the growth of
Vibrio
spp. In conclusion, genetic analysis coupled with environmental data and remote sensing provides useful public health information and, hence, constitute a valuable tool to proactively detect and characterize environmental pathogens, notably vibrios. These data can aid the development of early warning systems by yielding a larger source of information for public health during climate change.

IMPORTANCE

Evidence suggests warming temperatures are associated with the spread of potentially pathogenic
Vibrio
spp. and the emergence of human disease globally. Following Hurricane Ian, the State of Florida reported a sharp increase in the number of reported
Vibrio
spp. infections and deaths. Hence, monitoring of pathogens, including vibrios, and environmental parameters influencing their occurrence is critical to public health. Here, DNA sequencing was used to investigate the genomic diversity of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
and
Vibrio vulnificus
, both potential human pathogens, in Florida coastal waters post Hurricane Ian, in October 2022. Additionally, the microbial community of water samples was profiled to detect the presence of
Vibrio
spp. and other microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protists, and viruses) present in the samples. Long-term environmental data analysis showed changes in environmental parameters during and after Ian were optimal for the growth of
Vibrio
spp. and related pathogens. Collectively, results will be used to develop predictive risk models during climate change.