In silico assessment of the genotypic distribution of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes in Vibrio cholerae

Abstract

Vibrio cholerae has long been reported as an important cause of death in developing countries. The
study detected the virulence and antibiotic resistance gene of eight V. cholerae isolates through in silico tools.
Cholera toxins, ctxA and ctxB were found in six isolates (75%). Seventy-five percent isolates were also found to be
positive for zonula occludens toxin, zot which is known to increase the permeability by altering the tight junction of
the small intestine. Accessory cholera enterotoxin ace, responsible for fluid accumulation, was detected in four V.
cholerae strains. Seven isolates (87.5%) were positive for toxin-coregulated pilus, tcp which helps the bacteria to
adhere to gut mucosa. Both ompW and toxR genes were found in 87.5% of the isolates. Twenty-five percent isolates
harboured strA, strB, sulII, dfrA1, floR genes and SXT element demonstrating that they were multidrug-resistant
(MDG) bacterium. One isolate was found to be positive for tetA gene while no erythromycin resistance gene, ermA
and ermB was found. Virulence genes were found in all genotypes indicating that their distribution was not genotypeoriented
while genotype 2 harboured no antibiotic resistance genes. This data helps to predict virulence genes
associated with cholera and also demonstrates the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. Bacteria acquired the
antibiotic resistance gene through natural process which cannot be stopped. So by analyzing the resistance pattern we
can choose appropriate antibiotics. In silico study helps us to predict the antibiotic resistant genotypes and can easily
identify antibiotic resistant strains which help us to treat cholera infections and reduce the morbidity and mortality
rate of the infected individuals.