@article {20391, title = {Metagenome sequencing-based strain-level and functional characterization of supragingival microbiome associated with dental caries in children}, journal = {Journal of Oral Microbiology}, year = {2019}, month = {12/2018}, pages = {1557986}, abstract = {Studies of the microbiome associated with dental caries have largely relied on 16S rRNA sequence analysis, which is associated with PCR biases, low taxonomic resolution, and inability to accurately study functions. Here, we employed whole metagenome shotgun sequencing, coupled with high-resolution analysis algorithm, to analyze supragingival microbiomes from 30 children with or without dental caries. A total of 726 bacterial strains belonging to 406 species, in addition to 34 bacteriophages were identified. A core bacteriome was identified at the species and strain levels. Species of Prevotella, Veillonella, as yet unnamed Actinomyces, and Atopobium showed strongest association with caries; Streptococcus sp. AS14 and Leptotrichia sp. Oral taxon 225, among others, were overabundant in caries-free. For several species, the association was strain-specific. Furthermore, for some species, e.g. Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus sanguinis, sister strains showed differential associations. Noteworthy, associations were also identified for phages: Streptococcus phage M102 with caries and Haemophilus phage HP1 with caries-free. Functionally, potentially relevant features were identified including urate, vitamin K2, and polyamine biosynthesis in association with caries; and three deiminases and lactate dehydrogenase with health. The results demonstrate new associations between the microbiome and dental caries at the strain and functional levels that need further investigation.}, doi = {10.1080/20002297.2018.1557986}, url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20002297.2018.1557986}, author = {Al-Hebshi, Nezar Noor and Baraniya, Divyashri and Chen, Tsute and Hill, Jennifer and Puri, Sumant and Tellez, Marisol and Hassan, Nur A. and Rita R Colwell and Ismail, Amid} } @article {20295, title = {Biofilms Comprise a Component of the Annual Cycle of Vibrio cholerae in the Bay of Bengal Estuary}, journal = {mBio}, year = {2018}, month = {Feb-05-2018}, pages = {e00483-18}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae, an estuarine bacterium, is the causative agent of cholera, a severe diarrheal disease that demonstrates seasonal incidence in Bangladesh. In an extensive study of V. cholerae occurrence in a natural aquatic environment, water and plankton samples were collected biweekly between December 2005 and November 2006 from Mathbaria, an estuarine village of Bangladesh near the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans. Toxigenic V. cholerae exhibited two seasonal growth peaks, one in spring (March to May) and another in autumn (September to November), corresponding to the two annual seasonal outbreaks of cholera in this region. The total numbers of bacteria determined by heterotrophic plate count (HPC), representing culturable bacteria, accounted for 1\% to 2.7\% of the total numbers obtained using acridine orange direct counting (AODC). The highest bacterial culture counts, including toxigenic V. cholerae, were recorded in the spring. The direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) assay was used to detect V. cholerae O1 cells throughout the year, as free-living cells, within clusters, or in association with plankton. V. cholerae O1 varied significantly in morphology, appearing as distinctly rod-shaped cells in the spring months, while small coccoid cells within thick clusters of biofilm were observed during interepidemic periods of the year, notably during the winter months. Toxigenic V. cholerae O1 was culturable in natural water during the spring when the temperature rose sharply. The results of this study confirmed biofilms to be a means of persistence for bacteria and an integral component of the annual life cycle of toxigenic V. cholerae in the estuarine environment of Bangladesh.}, doi = {10.1128/mBio.00483-18}, url = {https://mbio.asm.org/content/9/2/e00483-18}, author = {Sultana, Marzia and Nusrin, Suraia and Hasan, Nur A. and Sadique, Abdus and Ahmed, Kabir U. and Islam, Atiqul and Hossain, Anwar and Longini, Ira and Nizam, Azhar and Huq, Anwar and Siddique, Abul K. and Sack, David A. and Sack, Richard B. and Rita R Colwell and Alam, Munirul}, editor = {Vidaver, Anne K.} } @article {20288, title = {Characterization of the Microbiome at the World{\textquoteright}s Largest Potable Water Reuse Facility}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, year = {2018}, month = {Feb-10-2020}, abstract = {Conventional water resources are not sufficient in many regions to meet the needs of growing populations. Due to cyclical weather cycles, drought, and climate change, water stress has increased worldwide including in Southern California, which serves as a model for regions that integrate reuse of wastewater for both potable and non-potable use. The Orange County Water District (OCWD) Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF) is a highly engineered system designed to treat and produce up to 100 million gallons per day (MGD) of purified water from a municipal wastewater source for potable reuse. Routine facility microbial water quality analysis is limited to standard indicators at this and similar facilities. Given recent advances in high throughput DNA sequencing techniques, complete microbial profiling of communities in water samples is now possible. By using 16S/18S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing coupled to a highly accurate identification method along with 16S rRNA gene qPCR, we describe a detailed view of the total microbial community throughout the facility. The total bacterial load of the water at stages of the treatment train ranged from 3.02 {\texttimes} 106 copies in source, unchlorinated wastewater feed to 5.49 {\texttimes} 101 copies of 16S rRNA gene/mL after treatment (consisting of microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet/advanced oxidation). Microbial diversity and load decreased by several orders of magnitude after microfiltration and reverse osmosis treatment, falling to almost non-detectable levels that more closely resembled controls of molecular grade laboratory water than the biomass detected in the source water. The presence of antibiotic resistance genes and viruses was also greatly reduced. Overall, system design performance was achieved, and comprehensive microbial community analysis was found to enable a more complete characterization of the water/wastewater microbial signature. Keywords: water reuse, pathogens, water purification, metatranscriptomics, metagenomics}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2018.02435}, url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.02435/full}, author = {Stamps, Blake W. and Leddy, Menu B. and Plumlee, Megan H. and Hasan, Nur A. and Rita R Colwell and Spear, John R.} } @article {20293, title = {Comparison of Infant Gut and Skin Microbiota, Resistome and Virulome Between Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Environments}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, year = {2018}, month = {Jan-06-2020}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2018.01361}, url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01361/full}, author = {Hourigan, Suchitra K. and Subramanian, Poorani and Hasan, Nur A. and Ta, Allison and Klein, Elisabeth and Chettout, Nassim and Huddleston, Kathi and Deopujari, Varsha and Levy, Shira and Baveja, R and Clemency, Nicole C. and Baker, Robin L. and Niederhuber, John E. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20297, title = {Distinct consequences of amoxicillin and ertapenem exposure in the porcine gut microbiome}, journal = {Anaerobe}, volume = {53}, year = {2018}, month = {Jan-10-2018}, pages = {82 - 93}, issn = {10759964}, doi = {10.1016/j.anaerobe.2018.04.012}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1075996418300696?via\%3Dihub}, author = {Connelly, Sheila and Subramanian, Poorani and Hasan, Nur A. and Rita R Colwell and Kaleko, Michael} } @article {20289, title = {Environmental and hydroclimatic factors influencing Vibrio populations in the estuarine zone of the Bengal delta}, journal = {Environmental Monitoring and Assessment}, year = {2018}, month = {Jan-10-2018}, abstract = {The objective of this study was to determine environmental parameters driving Vibrio populations in the estuarine zone of the Bengal delta. Spatio-temporal data were collected at river estuary, mangrove, beach, pond, and canal sites. Effects of salinity, tidal amplitude, and a cyclone and tsunami were included in the study. Vibrio population shifts were found to be correlated with tide-driven salinity and suspended particulate matter (SPM). Increased abundance of Vibrio spp. in surface water was observed after a cyclone, attributed to re-suspension of benthic particulate organic carbon (POC), and increased availability of chitin and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Approximately a two log10 increase in the (p < 0.05) number of Vibrio spp. was observed in < 20 μm particulates, compared with microphytoplankton (20{\textendash}60 μm) and zooplankton > 60 μm fractions. Benthic and suspended sediment comprised a major reservoir of Vibrio spp. Results of microcosm experiments showed enhanced growth of vibrios was related to concentration of organic matter in SPM. It is concluded that SPM, POC, chitin, and salinity significantly influence abundance and distribution of vibrios in the Bengal delta estuarine zone. Keywords Vibrio Salinity Cyclone Tide Chitin Sediment dynamics }, issn = {0167-6369}, doi = {10.1007/s10661-018-6925-7}, url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007\%2Fs10661-018-6925-7}, author = {Neogi, Sucharit and Rubin, Lara and Alam, Munirul and Harder, Jens and Yamasaki, Shinji and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20300, title = {High-Throughput DNA Sequencing To Profile Microbial Water Quality Of Potable Reuse}, year = {2018}, url = {https://www.wateronline.com/doc/high-throughput-dna-sequencing-to-profile-microbial-water-quality-of-potable-reuse-0001}, author = {Menu B. Leddy and Megan H. Plumlee and Rose S. Kantor and Kara L. Nelson and Scott E. Miller and Lauren C. Kennedy and Blake W. Stamps and John R. Spear and Nur A. Hasan and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20283, title = {A Metagenomic Approach to Evaluating Surface Water Quality in Haiti}, journal = {International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health}, volume = {1542}, year = {2018}, month = {Jan-10-2018}, pages = {2211}, abstract = {The cholera epidemic that occurred in Haiti post-earthquake in 2010 has resulted in over 9000 deaths during the past eight years. Currently, morbidity and mortality rates for cholera have declined, but cholera cases still occur on a daily basis. One continuing issue is an inability to accurately predict and identify when cholera outbreaks might occur. To explore this surveillance gap, a metagenomic approach employing environmental samples was taken. In this study, surface water samples were collected at two time points from several sites near the original epicenter of the cholera outbreak in the Central Plateau of Haiti. These samples underwent whole genome sequencing and subsequent metagenomic analysis to characterize the microbial community of bacteria, fungi, protists, and viruses, and to identify antibiotic resistance and virulence associated genes. Replicates from sites were analyzed by principle components analysis, and distinct genomic profiles were obtained for each site. Cholera toxin converting phage was detected at one site, and Shiga toxin converting phages at several sites. Members of the Acinetobacter family were frequently detected in samples, including members implicated in waterborne diseases. These results indicate a metagenomic approach to evaluating water samples can be useful for source tracking and the surveillance of pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae over time, as well as for monitoring virulence factors such as cholera toxin.}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30309013}, author = {Roy, Monika and Arnaud, Jean and Jasmin, Paul and Hamner, Steve and Hasan, Nur and Rita R Colwell and Ford, Timothy} } @article {20299, title = {Occurrence of Vibrio cholerae in water reservoirs of Burkina Faso}, journal = {Research in Microbiology}, volume = {169}, year = {2018}, month = {Jan-01-2018}, pages = {1 - 10}, abstract = {Africa is currently an important region in which cholera epidemics occur. Little is known about the presence of Vibrio cholerae in freshwater bodies in Africa. There are ca. 1700 lakes and reservoirs in Burkina Faso, most of which have been built within recent decades to secure water resources. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of V. cholerae in the water of reservoirs, using the most-probable-number polymerase chain reaction. Results showed that V. cholerae could be detected in water samples collected from 14 of 39 sampled reservoirs. The concentrations varied from 0 MPN/l to more than 1100 MPN/l. Fifty strains of V. cholerae isolated on CHROMagar{\texttrademark} vibrio were identified as V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139, none of which carried the ctxA gene. A significant positive correlation was found between the presence of V. cholerae in the reservoirs and both alkaline pH and phytoplankton biomass. V. cholerae was present in significantly higher numbers in reservoirs of urban areas than in rural areas. Since V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 has been shown to be a causative agent of endemic diarrheal outbreaks, their presence in Burkina Faso reservoirs suggests they may play a role in gastroenteritis in that country.}, issn = {09232508}, doi = {10.1016/j.resmic.2017.08.004}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092325081730147X?via\%3Dihub}, author = {Kabor{\'e}, Saidou and Cecchi, Philippe and Mosser, Thomas and Toubiana, Myl{\`e}ne and Traor{\'e}, Oumar and Ouattara, Aboubakar S. and Traor{\'e}, Alfred S. and Barro, Nicolas and Rita R Colwell and Monfort, Patrick} } @article {20296, title = {Satellites and Cell Phones Form a Cholera Early-Warning System}, journal = {Eos}, volume = {99}, year = {2018}, month = {Mar-03-2020}, doi = {10.1029/2018EO094839}, url = {https://eos.org/project-updates/satellites-and-cell-phones-form-a-cholera-early-warning-system}, author = {Akanda, Ali and Aziz, Sonia and Jutla, Antarpreet and Huq, Anwar and Alam, Munirul and Ahsan, Gias and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20290, title = {Spores and soil from six sides: interdisciplinarity and the environmental biology of anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)}, journal = {Biological Reviews}, year = {2018}, month = {Jan-11-2018}, pages = {1813 - 1831}, abstract = {Environmentally transmitted diseases are comparatively poorly understood and managed, and their ecology is particularly understudied. Here we identify challenges of studying environmental transmission and persistence with a six-sided interdisciplinary review of the biology of anthrax (Bacillus anthracis). Anthrax is a zoonotic disease capable of maintaining infectious spore banks in soil for decades (or even potentially centuries), and the mechanisms of its environmental persistence have been the topic of significant research and controversy. Where anthrax is endemic, it plays an important ecological role, shaping the dynamics of entire herbivore communities. The complex eco-epidemiology of anthrax, and the mysterious biology of Bacillus anthracis during its environmental stage, have necessitated an interdisciplinary approach to pathogen research. Here, we illustrate different disciplinary perspectives through key advances made by researchers working in Etosha National Park, a long-term ecological research site in Namibia that has exemplified the complexities of the enzootic process of anthrax over decades of surveillance. In Etosha, the role of scavengers and alternative routes (waterborne transmission and flies) has proved unimportant relative to the long-term persistence of anthrax spores in soil and their infection of herbivore hosts. Carcass deposition facilitates green-ups of vegetation to attract herbivores, potentially facilitated by the role of anthrax spores in the rhizosphere. The underlying seasonal pattern of vegetation, and herbivores{\textquoteright} immune and behavioural responses to anthrax risk, interact to produce regular {\textquoteleft}anthrax seasons{\textquoteright} that appear to be a stable feature of the Etosha ecosystem. Through the lens of microbiologists, geneticists, immunologists, ecologists, epidemiologists, and clinicians, we discuss how anthrax dynamics are shaped at the smallest scale by population genetics and interactions within the bacterial communities up to the broadest scales of ecosystem structure. We illustrate the benefits and challenges of this interdisciplinary approach to disease ecology, and suggest ways anthrax might offer insights into the biology of other important pathogens. Bacillus anthracis, and the more recently emerged Bacillus cereus biovar anthracis, share key features with other environmentally transmitted pathogens, including several zoonoses and panzootics of special interest for global health and conservation efforts. Understanding the dynamics of anthrax, and developing interdisciplinary research programs that explore environmental persistence, is a critical step forward for understanding these emerging threats. }, doi = {10.1111/brv.12420}, url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/brv.12420}, author = {Carlson, Colin J. and Getz, Wayne M. and Kausrud, Kyrre L. and Cizauskas, Carrie A. and Blackburn, Jason K. and Bustos Carrillo, Fausto A. and Rita R Colwell and Easterday, W. Ryan and Ganz, Holly H. and Kamath, Pauline L. and {\O}kstad, Ole A. and Turner, Wendy C. and Kolsto, Anne-Brit and Stenseth, Nils C.} } @article {20298, title = {Virulence-Related Genes Identified from the Genome Sequence of the Non-O1/Non-O139 Vibrio cholerae Strain VcN1, Isolated from Dhaka, Bangladesh}, journal = {Genome Announcements}, year = {2018}, month = {Aug-03-2018}, abstract = {We report here the first draft genome sequence of the non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae strain VcN1, isolated from Dhaka, Bangladesh. The data submitted to GenBank for this strain will contribute to advancing our understanding of this environmentally disseminated bacterium, including its virulence and its evolution as an important pathogen.}, doi = {10.1128/genomeA.01513-17}, url = {https://mra.asm.org/content/6/10/e01513-17}, author = {Hossain, Maqsud and Alam, Munirul and Khaleque, Abdul and Islam, Sohidul and Sadique, Abdus and Khan, Nayeim and Halim, Zahra and Sarker, Mrinmoy and El-Sayed, Najib M. and Huq, Anwar and Ahsan, Gias Uddin and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20320, title = {Application of a paper based device containing a new culture medium to detect Vibrio cholerae in water samples collected in Haiti}, journal = {Journal of Microbiological Methods}, volume = {133}, year = {2017}, month = {Jan-02-2017}, pages = {23 - 31}, issn = {01677012}, doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2016.12.014}, url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167701216303578?via\%3Dihub}, author = {Briquaire, Romain and Rita R Colwell and Boncy, Jacques and Rossignol, Emmanuel and Dardy, Aline and Pandini, Isabelle and Villeval, Fran{\c c}ois and Machuron, Jean-Louis and Huq, Anwar and Rashed, Shah and Vandevelde, Thierry and Rozand, Christine} } @article {20315, title = {Assessment of Risk of Cholera in Haiti following Hurricane Matthew}, journal = {The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene}, volume = {97}, year = {2017}, month = {Jul-09-2017}, pages = {896 - 903}, abstract = {Damage to the inferior and fragile water and sanitation infrastructure of Haiti after Hurricane Matthew has created an urgent public health emergency in terms of likelihood of cholera occurring in the human population. Using satellite-derived data on precipitation, gridded air temperature, and hurricane path and with information on water and sanitation (WASH) infrastructure, we tracked changing environmental conditions conducive for growth of pathogenic vibrios. Based on these data, we predicted and validated the likelihood of cholera cases occurring past hurricane. The risk of cholera in the southwestern part of Haiti remained relatively high since November 2016 to the present. Findings of this study provide a contemporary process for monitoring ground conditions that can guide public health intervention to control cholera in human population by providing access to vaccines, safe WASH facilities. Assuming current social and behavioral patterns remain constant, it is recommended that WASH infrastructure should be improved and considered a priority especially before 2017 rainy season.}, issn = {0002-9637}, doi = {10.4269/ajtmh.17-0048}, url = {http://www.ajtmh.org/content/journals/10.4269/ajtmh.17-0048}, author = {Huq, Anwar and Anwar, Rifat and Rita R Colwell and McDonald, Michael D. and Khan, Rakib and Jutla, Antarpreet and Akanda, Shafqat} } @article {20314, title = {Beyond cost-effectiveness: Using systems analysis for infectious disease preparedness}, journal = {Vaccine}, volume = {35}, year = {2017}, month = {Jan-01-2017}, pages = {A46 - A49}, abstract = {Until the recent outbreaks, Ebola vaccines ranked low in decision makers{\textquoteright} priority lists based on cost-effectiveness analysis and (or) corporate profitability. Despite a relatively small number of Ebola-related cases and deaths (compared to other causes), Ebola vaccines suddenly leapt to highest priority among international health agencies and vaccine developers. Clearly, earlier cost-effectiveness analyses badly missed some factors affecting real world decisions. Multi-criteria systems analysis can improve evaluation and prioritization of vaccine development and also of many other health policy and investment decisions. Neither cost-effectiveness nor cost-benefit analysis can capture important aspects of problems such as Ebola or the emerging threat of Zika, especially issues of inequality and disparity{\textemdash}issues that dominate the planning of many global health and economic organizations. Cost-benefit analysis requires assumptions about the specific value of life{\textemdash}an idea objectionable to many analysts and policy makers. Additionally, standard cost-effectiveness calculations cannot generally capture effects on people uninfected with Ebola for example, but nevertheless affected through such factors as contagion, herd immunity, and fear of dread disease, reduction of travel and commerce, and even the hope of disease eradication. Using SMART Vaccines, we demonstrate how systems analysis can visibly include important {\textquotedblleft}other factors{\textquotedblright} and more usefully guide decision making and beneficially alter priority setting processes.}, issn = {0264410X}, doi = {10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.08.090}, url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0264410X16309501}, author = {Phelps, Charles and Madhavan, Guruprasad and Rappuoli, Rino and Rita R Colwell and Fineberg, Harvey} } @article {20307, title = {Characterization of Microbial Signatures From Advanced Treated Wastewater Biofilms}, journal = {Journal - American Water Works Association}, volume = {109}, year = {2017}, month = {Jan-11-2017}, pages = {E503 - E512}, abstract = {Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and metagenomics were used to identify microbial communities in biofilms of microfiltration (MF) and reverse osmosis (RO) membranes in an advanced water purification facility (AWPF) that treats municipal wastewater to produce potable quality water. Secondary treated wastewater effluent is the source of influent to the AWPF treatment train and was also characterized by NGS. Results show low bacterial diversity in biofilms obtained from the feed-side surfaces of MF and RO membranes. Microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the RO biofilm were compared with those of the MF and influent, revealing lower abundance of bacterial species and ARGs in the RO biofilm than in the other samples. Opportunistic pathogens were detected in all samples; however, indicator bacteria, viruses, and bacteriophages were not detected in the RO biofilm. It is concluded that NGS has great potential for improved detection and characterization of microbial communities in biofilms that form on AWPF MF and RO membranes.}, doi = {10.5942/jawwa.2017.109.0116}, url = {http://doi.wiley.com/10.5942/jawwa.2017.109.0116}, author = {Leddy, Menu B. and Hasan, Nur A. and Subramanian, Poorani and Heberling, Colin and Cotruvo, Joseph and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20306, title = {Characterization of Pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus from the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, year = {2017}, month = {Mar-12-2018}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2017.02460}, url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmicb.2017.02460}, author = {Chen, Arlene J. and Hasan, Nur A. and Haley, Bradd J. and Taviani, Elisa and Tarnowski, Mitch and Brohawn, Kathy and Johnson, Crystal N. and Rita R Colwell and Huq, Anwar} } @article {20305, title = {Characterization of Two Cryptic Plasmids Isolated in Haiti from Clinical Vibrio cholerae Non-O1/Non-O139}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, year = {2017}, month = {Nov-11-2018}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2017.02283}, url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmicb.2017.02283}, author = {Ceccarelli, Daniela and Garriss, Genevieve and Choi, Seon Y. and Hasan, Nur A. and Stepanauskas, Ramunas and Pop, Mihai and Huq, Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20310, title = {Comparative genomic analysis and characterization of incompatibility group FIB plasmid encoded virulence factors of Salmonella enterica isolated from food sources}, journal = {BMC Genomics}, year = {2017}, month = {Jan-12-2017}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: The degree to which the chromosomal mediated iron acquisition system contributes to virulence of many bacterial pathogens is well defined. However, the functional roles of plasmid encoded iron acquisition systems, specifically Sit and aerobactin, have yet to be determined for Salmonella spp. In a recent study, Salmonella enterica strains isolated from different food sources were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform and found to harbor the incompatibility group (Inc) FIB plasmid. In this study, we examined sequence diversity and the contribution of factors encoded on the IncFIB plasmid to the virulence of S. enterica. RESULTS: Whole genome sequences of seven S. enterica isolates were compared to genomes of serovars of S. enterica isolated from food, animal, and human sources. SeqSero analysis predicted that six strains were serovar Typhimurium and one was Heidelberg. Among the S. Typhimurium strains, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based phylogenetic analyses revealed that five of the isolates clustered as a single monophyletic S. Typhimurium subclade, while one of the other strains branched with S. Typhimurium from a bovine source. DNA sequence based phylogenetic diversity analyses showed that the IncFIB plasmid-encoded Sit and aerobactin iron acquisition systems are conserved among bacterial species including S. enterica. The IncFIB plasmid was transferred to an IncFIB plasmid deficient strain of S. enterica by conjugation. The transconjugant SE819::IncFIB persisted in human intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells at a higher rate than the recipient SE819. Genes of the Sit and aerobactin operons in the IncFIB plasmid were differentially expressed in iron-rich and iron-depleted growth media. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal sequence diversity was detected in the Sit and aerobactin operons in the IncFIB plasmids present among different bacterial species, including foodborne Salmonella strains. IncFIB plasmid encoded factors play a role during infection under low-iron conditions in host cells.}, doi = {10.1186/s12864-017-3954-5}, url = {https://bmcgenomics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12864-017-3954-5}, author = {Khajanchi, Bijay K. and Hasan, Nur A. and Choi, Seon Young and Han, Jing and Zhao, Shaohua and Rita R Colwell and Cerniglia, Carl E. and Foley, Steven L.} } @article {20311, title = {Comparative Genomics of Escherichia coli Isolated from Skin and Soft Tissue and Other Extraintestinal Infections}, journal = {mBio}, year = {2017}, month = {Jun-09-2017}, abstract = {Escherichia coli, an intestinal Gram-negative bacterium, has been shown to be associated with a variety of diseases in addition to intestinal infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), meningitis in neonates, septicemia, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), and colisepticemia. Thus, for nonintestinal infections, it is categorized as extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). It is also an opportunistic pathogen, causing cross infections, notably as an agent of zoonotic diseases. However, comparative genomic data providing functional and genetic coordinates for ExPEC strains associated with these different types of infections have not proven conclusive. In the study reported here, ExPEC E. coli isolated from SSTIs was characterized, including virulence and drug resistance profiles, and compared with isolates from patients suffering either pyelonephritis or septicemia. Results revealed that the majority of the isolates belonged to two pathogenic phylogroups, B2 and D. Approximately 67\% of the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), with 85\% producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and 6\% producing metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL). The blaCTX-M-15 genotype was observed in at least 70\% of the E. coli isolates in each category, conferring resistance to an extended range of beta-lactam antibiotics. Whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics of the ExPEC isolates revealed that two of the four isolates from SSTIs, NA633 and NA643, belong to pandemic sequence type ST131, whereas functional characteristics of three of the ExPEC pathotypes revealed that they had equal capabilities to form biofilm and were resistant to human serum. Overall, the isolates from a variety of ExPEC infections demonstrated similar resistomes and virulomes and did not display any disease-specific functional or genetic coordinates. IMPORTANCE Infections caused by extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) are of global concern as they result in significant costs to health care facilities management. The recent emergence of a multidrug-resistant pandemic clone, Escherichia coli ST131, is of primary concern as a global threat. In developing countries, such as India, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) associated with E. coli are marginally addressed. In this study, we employed both genomic analysis and phenotypic assays to determine relationships, if any, among the ExPEC pathotypes. Similarity between antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles was observed, ST131 isolates from SSTIs were reported, and genomic similarities among strains isolated from different disease conditions were detected. This study provides functional molecular infection epidemiology insight into SSTI-associated E. coli compared with ExPEC pathotypes.}, doi = {10.1128/mBio.01070-17}, url = {http://mbio.asm.org/lookup/doi/10.1128/mBio.01070-17}, author = {Ranjan, Amit and Shaik, Sabiha and Nandanwar, Nishant and Hussain, Arif and Tiwari, Sumeet K. and Semmler, Torsten and Jadhav, Savita and Wieler, Lothar H. and Alam, Munirul and Rita R Colwell and Ahmed, Niyaz}, editor = {Cossart, Pascale F.} } @article {20308, title = {Comprehensive benchmarking and ensemble approaches for metagenomic classifiers}, journal = {Genome Biology}, year = {2017}, month = {Jan-12-2017}, doi = {10.1186/s13059-017-1299-7}, url = {http://genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13059-017-1299-7}, author = {McIntyre, Alexa B. R. and Ounit, Rachid and Afshinnekoo, Ebrahim and Prill, Robert J. and H{\'e}naff, Elizabeth and Alexander, Noah and Minot, Samuel S. and Danko, David and Foox, Jonathan and Ahsanuddin, Sofia and Tighe, Scott and Hasan, Nur A. and Subramanian, Poorani and Moffat, Kelly and Levy, Shawn and Lonardi, Stefano and Greenfield, Nick and Rita R Colwell and Rosen, Gail L. and Mason, Christopher E.} } @article {20318, title = {CRISPR-Cas and Contact-Dependent Secretion Systems Present on Excisable Pathogenicity Islands with Conserved Recombination Modules}, journal = {Journal of Bacteriology}, year = {2017}, month = {Mar-05-2018}, abstract = {Pathogenicity islands (PAIs) are mobile integrated genetic elements that contain a diverse range of virulence factors. PAIs integrate into the host chromosome at a tRNA locus that contains their specific bacterial attachment site, attB, via integrase-mediated site-specific recombination generating attL and attR sites. We identified conserved recombination modules (integrases and att sites) previously described in choleragenic Vibrio cholerae PAIs but with novel cargo genes. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated proteins (Cas proteins) and a type VI secretion system (T6SS) gene cluster were identified at the Vibrio pathogenicity island 1 (VPI-1) insertion site in 19 V. cholerae strains and contained the same recombination module. Two divergent type I-F CRISPR-Cas systems were identified, which differed in Cas protein homology and content. The CRISPR repeat sequence was identical among all V. cholerae strains, but the CRISPR spacer sequences and the number of spacers varied. In silico analysis suggests that the CRISPR-Cas systems were active against phages and plasmids. A type III secretion system (T3SS) was present in 12 V. cholerae strains on a 68-kb island inserted at the same tRNA-serine insertion site as VPI-2 and contained the same recombination module. Bioinformatics analysis showed that two divergent T3SSs exist among the strains examined. Both the CRISPR and T3SS islands excised site specifically from the bacterial chromosome as complete units, and the cognate integrases were essential for this excision. These data demonstrated that identical recombination modules that catalyze integration and excision from the chromosome can acquire diverse cargo genes, signifying a novel method of acquisition for both CRISPR-Cas systems and T3SSs.}, issn = {0021-9193}, doi = {10.1128/JB.00842-16}, url = {http://jb.asm.org/lookup/doi/10.1128/JB.00842-16}, author = {Carpenter, Megan R. and Kalburge, Sai S. and Borowski, Joseph D. and Peters, Molly C. and Rita R Colwell and Boyd, E. Fidelma}, editor = {DiRita, Victor J.} } @article {20313, title = {Genomic Methods and Microbiological Technologies for Profiling Novel and Extreme Environments for the Extreme Microbiome Project (XMP)}, journal = {Journal of Biomolecular Techniques : JBT}, volume = {28}, year = {2017}, month = {Jan-04-2017}, pages = {31 - 39}, abstract = {The Extreme Microbiome Project (XMP) is a project launched by the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities Metagenomics Research Group (ABRF MGRG) that focuses on whole genome shotgun sequencing of extreme and unique environments using a wide variety of biomolecular techniques. The goals are multifaceted, including development and refinement of new techniques for the following: 1) the detection and characterization of novel microbes, 2) the evaluation of nucleic acid techniques for extremophilic samples, and 3) the identification and implementation of the appropriate bioinformatics pipelines. Here, we highlight the different ongoing projects that we have been working on, as well as details on the various methods we use to characterize the microbiome and metagenome of these complex samples. In particular, we present data of a novel multienzyme extraction protocol that we developed, called Polyzyme or MetaPolyZyme. Presently, the XMP is characterizing sample sites around the world with the intent of discovering new species, genes, and gene clusters. Once a project site is complete, the resulting data will be publically available. Sites include Lake Hillier in Western Australia, the {\textquotedblleft}Door to Hell{\textquotedblright} crater in Turkmenistan, deep ocean brine lakes of the Gulf of Mexico, deep ocean sediments from Greenland, permafrost tunnels in Alaska, ancient microbial biofilms from Antarctica, Blue Lagoon Iceland, Ethiopian toxic hot springs, and the acidic hypersaline ponds in Western Australia.}, issn = {1524-0215}, doi = {10.7171/jbt.17-2801-004}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5345951/}, author = {Tighe, Scott and Afshinnekoo, Ebrahim and Rock, Tara M. and McGrath, Ken and Alexander, Noah and McIntyre, Alexa and Ahsanuddin, Sofia and Bezdan, Daniela and Green, Stefan J. and Joye, Samantha and Stewart Johnson, Sarah and Baldwin, Don A. and Bivens, Nathan and Ajami, Nadim and Carmical, Joseph R. and Herriott, Ian Charold and Rita R Colwell and Donia, Mohamed and Foox, Jonathan and Greenfield, Nick and Hunter, Tim and Hoffman, Jessica and Hyman, Joshua and Jorgensen, Ellen and Krawczyk, Diana and Lee, Jodie and Levy, Shawn and Garcia-Reyero, {\`a}lia and Settles, Matthew and Thomas, Kelley and {\'o}mez, Felipe and Schriml, Lynn and Kyrpides, Nikos and Zaikova, Elena and Penterman, Jon and Mason, Christopher E.} } @article {20322, title = {Hydroclimatic sustainability assessment of changing climate on cholera in the Ganges-Brahmaputra basin}, journal = {Advances in Water Resources}, volume = {108}, year = {2017}, month = {Jan-10-2017}, pages = {332 - 344}, abstract = {The association of cholera and climate has been extensively documented. However, determining the effects of changing climate on the occurrence of disease remains a challenge. Bimodal peaks of cholera in Bengal Delta are hypothesized to be linked to asymmetric flow of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. Spring cholera is related to intrusion of bacteria-laden coastal seawater during low flow seasons, while autumn cholera results from cross-contamination of water resources when high flows in the rivers cause massive inundation. Coarse resolution of General Circulation Model (GCM) output (usually at 100 {\textendash} 300 km)cannot be used to evaluate variability at the local scale(10{\textendash}20 km),hence the goal of this study was to develop a framework that could be used to understand impacts of climate change on occurrence of cholera. Instead of a traditional approach of downscaling precipitation, streamflow of the two rivers was directly linked to GCM outputs, achieving reasonable accuracy (R2 = 0.89 for the Ganges and R2 = 0.91 for the Brahmaputra)using machine learning algorithms (Support Vector Regression-Particle Swarm Optimization). Copula methods were used to determine probabilistic risks of cholera under several discharge conditions. Key results, using model outputs from ECHAM5, GFDL, andHadCM3for A1B and A2 scenarios, suggest that the combined low flow of the two rivers may increase in the future, with high flows increasing for first half of this century, decreasing thereafter. Spring and autumn cholera, assuming societal conditions remain constant e.g., at the current rate, may decrease. However significant shifts were noted in the magnitude of river discharge suggesting that cholera dynamics of the delta may well demonstrate an uncertain predictable pattern of occurrence over the next century.}, issn = {03091708}, doi = {10.1016/j.advwatres.2016.11.018}, url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S030917081630728X}, author = {Nasr-Azadani, Fariborz and Khan, Rakibul and Rahimikollu, Javad and Unnikrishnan, Avinash and Akanda, Ali and Alam, Munirul and Huq, Anwar and Jutla, Antarpreet and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20317, title = {Vibrio cholerae O1 with Reduced Susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin and Azithromycin Isolated from a Rural Coastal Area of Bangladesh}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, year = {2017}, month = {Sep-02-2018}, abstract = {Cholera outbreaks occur each year in the remote coastal areas of Bangladesh and epidemiological surveillance and routine monitoring of cholera in these areas is challenging. In this study, a total of 97 Vibrio cholerae O1 isolates from Mathbaria, Bangladesh, collected during 2010 and 2014 were analyzed for phenotypic and genotypic traits, including antimicrobial susceptibility. Of the 97 isolates, 95 possessed CTX-phage mediated genes, ctxA, ace, and zot, and two lacked the cholera toxin gene, ctxA. Also both CTX+ and CTX- V. cholerae O1 isolated in this study carried rtxC, tcpAET, and hlyA. The classical cholera toxin gene, ctxB1, was detected in 87 isolates, while eight had ctxB7. Of 95 CTX+ V. cholerae O1, 90 contained rstRET and 5 had rstRCL. All isolates, except two, contained SXT related integrase intSXT. Resistance to penicillin, streptomycin, nalidixic acid, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, erythromycin, and tetracycline varied between the years of study period. Most importantly, 93\% of the V. cholerae O1 were multidrug resistant. Six different resistance profiles were observed, with resistance to streptomycin, nalidixic acid, tetracycline, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim predominant every year. Ciprofloxacin and azithromycin MIC were 0.003{\textendash}0.75 and 0.19{\textendash}2.00 μg/ml, respectively, indicating reduced susceptibility to these antibiotics. Sixteen of the V. cholerae O1 isolates showed higher MIC for azithromycin (>=0.5 μg/ml) and were further examined for 10 macrolide resistance genes, erm(A), erm(B), erm(C), ere(A), ere(B), mph(A), mph(B), mph(D), mef(A), and msr(A) with none testing positive for the macrolide resistance genes.}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2017.00252}, url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmicb.2017.00252}, author = {Rashed, Shah M. and Hasan, Nur A. and Alam, Munirul and Sadique, Abdus and Sultana, Marzia and Hoq, Md. Mozammel and Sack, R. Bradley and Rita R Colwell and Huq, Anwar} } @article {20312, title = {Membrane Bioreactor-Based Wastewater Treatment Plant in Saudi Arabia: Reduction of Viral Diversity, Load, and Infectious Capacity}, journal = {Water}, volume = {96046Volume 70}, year = {2017}, month = {Jan-07-2017}, pages = {534}, doi = {10.3390/w9070534}, url = {http://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/9/7/534}, author = {Jumat, Muhammad and Hasan, Nur and Subramanian, Poorani and Heberling, Colin and Rita R Colwell and Hong, Pei-Ying} } @article {20309, title = {The microbiomes of blowflies and houseflies as bacterial transmission reservoirs}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, year = {2017}, month = {Jan-12-2017}, abstract = {Blowflies and houseflies are mechanical vectors inhabiting synanthropic environments around the world. They feed and breed in fecal and decaying organic matter, but the microbiome they harbour and transport is largely uncharacterized. We sampled 116 individual houseflies and blowflies from varying habitats on three continents and subjected them to high-coverage, whole-genome shotgun sequencing. This allowed for genomic and metagenomic analyses of the host-associated microbiome at the species level. Both fly host species segregate based on principal coordinate analysis of their microbial communities, but they also show an overlapping core microbiome. Legs and wings displayed the largest microbial diversity and were shown to be an important route for microbial dispersion. The environmental sequencing approach presented here detected a stochastic distribution of human pathogens, such as Helicobacter pylori, thereby demonstrating the potential of flies as proxies for environmental and public health surveillance.}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-16353-x}, url = {http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-16353-x}, author = {Junqueira, AC and Ratan, Aakrosh and Acerbi, Enzo and Drautz-Moses, Daniela I. and Premkrishnan, BNV and Costea, PI and Linz, Bodo and Purbojati, Rikky W. and Paulo, Daniel F. and Gaultier, Nicolas E. and Subramanian, Poorani and Hasan, Nur A. and Rita R Colwell and Bork, Peer and Azeredo-Espin, Ana Maria L. and Bryant, Donald A. and Schuster, Stephan C.} } @article {20323, title = {Natural Disasters and Cholera Outbreaks: Current Understanding and Future Outlook}, journal = {Current Environmental Health Reports}, year = {2017}, month = {Jan-03-2017}, pages = {99 - 107}, abstract = {Purpose of Review Diarrheal diseases remain a serious global public health threat, especially for those populations lacking access to safe water and sanitation infrastructure. Although association of several diarrheal diseases, e.g., cholera, shigellosis, etc., with climatic processes has been documented, the global human population remains at heightened risk of outbreak of diseases after natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, or droughts. In this review, cholera was selected as a signature diarrheal disease and the role of natural disasters in triggering and transmitting cholera was analyzed. Recent Findings Key observations include identification of an inherent feedback loop that includes societal structure, prevailing climatic processes, and spatio-temporal seasonal variability of natural disasters. Data obtained from satellite-based remote sensing are concluded to have application, although limited, in predicting risks of a cholera outbreak(s). Summary We argue that with the advent of new high spectral and spatial resolution data, earth observation systems should be seamlessly integrated in a decision support mechanism to be mobilize resources when a region suffers a natural disaster. A framework is proposed that can be used to assess the impact of natural disasters with response to outbreak of cholera, providing assessment of short- and long-term influence of climatic processes on disease outbreaks.}, doi = {10.1007/s40572-017-0132-5}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s40572-017-0132-5}, author = {Jutla, Antarpreet and Khan, Rakibul and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20316, title = {SYN-004 (ribaxamase), an oral beta-lactamase, mitigates antibiotic-mediated dysbiosis in a porcine gut microbiome model}, journal = {Journal of Applied Microbiology}, year = {2017}, month = {Jan-07-2017}, pages = {66 - 79}, abstract = { Aim To evaluate an antibiotic inactivation strategy to protect the gut microbiome from antibiotic-mediated damage. Methods and Results SYN-004 (ribaxamase) is an orally delivered beta-lactamase intended to degrade penicillins and cephalosporins within the gastrointestinal tract to protect the microbiome. Pigs (20 kg, n = 10) were treated with ceftriaxone (CRO) (IV, 50 mg kg-1, SID) for 7 days and a cohort (n = 5) received ribaxamase (PO, 75 mg, QID) for 9 days beginning the day before antibiotic administration. Ceftriaxone serum levels were not statistically different in the antibiotic-alone and antibiotic + ribaxamase groups, indicating ribaxamase did not alter systemic antibiotic levels. Whole-genome metagenomic analyses of pig faecal DNA revealed that CRO caused significant changes to the gut microbiome and an increased frequency of antibiotic resistance genes. With ribaxamase, the gut microbiomes were not significantly different from pretreatment and antibiotic resistance gene frequency was not increased. Conclusion Ribaxamase mitigated CRO-mediated gut microbiome dysbiosis and attenuated propagation of the antibiotic resistance genes in pigs. Significance and Impact of the Study Damage of the microbiome can lead to overgrowth of pathogenic organisms and antibiotic exposure can promote selection for antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms. Ribaxamase has the potential to become the first therapy designed to protect the gut microbiome from antibiotic-mediated dysbiosis and reduce emergence of antibiotic resistance. }, doi = {10.1111/jam.13432}, url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jam.13432}, author = {Connelly, S. and Bristol, J.A. and Hubert, S. and Subramanian, P. and Hasan, N.A. and Rita R Colwell and Kaleko, M.} } @article {20328, title = {Are natural reservoirs important for cholera surveillance? The case of an outbreak in a Brazilian estuary}, journal = {Letters in Applied Microbiology}, year = {2016}, month = {Jan-09-2016}, pages = {183 - 188}, abstract = {Paranagu{\'a} Bay is one of the largest estuarine systems on the Southern Brazilian coast. The only recorded cholera outbreak in this region since the early 20th century occurred in 1999 and resulted in 467 cases and at least three reported deaths in a population of approx. 150 000 people. This short communication reports historical, unpublished data related to that outbreak. Water, zooplankton and bivalve samples were collected and evaluated using direct fluorescence assay to determine whether Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 were present in the estuarine system at that time. Most of the water (83\%) and zooplankton samples (75\%) were positive for V. cholerae O1, while V. cholerae O139 was not detected. Shellfish (Mytella sp.) were also positive for V. cholerae O1. These results indicate that the estuary, including biological vectors such as copepods and bivalves, comprise an important reservoir of V. cholerae O1 and a probable waterborne pathway for the disease, in addition to contamination with untreated sewage. }, doi = {10.1111/lam.12614}, url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/lam.12614}, author = {Martinelli Filho, J.E. and Lopes, R.M. and Rivera, I.N.G. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20324, title = {Chitin promotes Mycobacterium ulcerans growth}, journal = {FEMS Microbiology Ecology}, volume = {928565871}, year = {2016}, month = {Jun-06-2017}, pages = {fiw067}, abstract = {Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU) is the causative agent of Buruli ulcer, an emerging human infectious disease. However, both the ecology and life cycle of MU are poorly understood. The occurrence of MU has been linked to the aquatic environment, notably water bodies affected by human activities. It has been hypothesized that one or a combination of environmental factor(s) connected to human activities could favour growth of MU in aquatic systems. Here, we tested in vitro the growth effect of two ubiquitous polysaccharides and five chemical components on MU at concentration ranges shown to occur in endemic regions. Real-time PCR showed that chitin increased MU growth significantly providing a nutrient source or environmental support for the bacillus, thereby, providing a focus on the association between MU and aquatic arthropods. Aquatic environments with elevated population of arthropods provide increased chitin availability and, thereby, enhanced multiplication of MU. If calcium very slightly enhanced MU growth, iron, zinc, sulphate and phosphate did not stimulate MU growth, and at the concentration ranges of this study would limit MU population in natural ecosystems.}, doi = {10.1093/femsec/fiw067}, url = {https://academic.oup.com/femsec/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/femsec/fiw067}, author = {Sanhueza, Daniel and Chevillon, Christine and Rita R Colwell and Babonneau, J{\'e}r{\'e}mie and Marion, Estelle and Marsollier, Laurent and {\'e}gan, {\c c}ois}, editor = {Sobecky, Patricia} } @article {20329, title = {Climate influence on Vibrio and associated human diseases during the past half-century in the coastal North Atlantic}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, year = {2016}, month = {Nov-08-2017}, pages = {E5062 - E5071}, abstract = {Climate change is having a dramatic impact on marine animal and plant communities but little is known of its influence on marine prokaryotes, which represent the largest living biomass in the world oceans and play a fundamental role in maintaining life on our planet. In this study, for the first time to our knowledge, experimental evidence is provided on the link between multidecadal climatic variability in the temperate North Atlantic and the presence and spread of an important group of marine prokaryotes, the vibrios, which are responsible for several infections in both humans and animals. Using archived formalin-preserved plankton samples collected by the Continuous Plankton Recorder survey over the past half-century (1958{\textendash}2011), we assessed retrospectively the relative abundance of vibrios, including human pathogens, in nine areas of the North Atlantic and North Sea and showed correlation with climate and plankton changes. Generalized additive models revealed that long-term increase in Vibrio abundance is promoted by increasing sea surface temperatures (up to \~{}1.5 {\textdegree}C over the past 54 y) and is positively correlated with the Northern Hemisphere Temperature (NHT) and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) climatic indices (P < 0.001). Such increases are associated with an unprecedented occurrence of environmentally acquired Vibrio infections in the human population of Northern Europe and the Atlantic coast of the United States in recent years.}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1609157113}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/lookup/doi/10.1073/pnas.1609157113}, author = {Vezzulli, Luigi and Grande, Chiara and Reid, Philip C. and {\'e}laou{\"e}t, Pierre and Edwards, Martin and {\"o}fle, Manfred G. and Brettar, Ingrid and Rita R Colwell and Pruzzo, Carla} } @article {20332, title = {Comparison of inferred relatedness based on multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis and whole genome sequencing of Vibrio cholerae O1}, journal = {FEMS Microbiology Letters}, volume = {36389}, year = {2016}, month = {Nov-06-2017}, pages = {fnw116}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae causes cholera, a severe diarrheal disease. Understanding the local genetic diversity and transmission of V. cholerae will improve our ability to control cholera. Vibrio cholerae isolates clustered in genetically related groups (clonal complexes, CC) by multilocus variable tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) were compared by whole genome sequencing (WGS). Isolates in CC1 had been isolated from two geographical locations. Isolates in a second genetically distinct group, CC2, were isolated only at one location. Using WGS, CC1 isolates from both locations revealed, on average, 43.8 nucleotide differences, while those strains comprising CC2 averaged 19.7 differences. Strains from both MLVA-CCs had an average difference of 106.6. Thus, isolates comprising CC1 were more closely related (P < 10-6) to each other than to isolates in CC2. Within a MLVA-CC, after removing all paralogs, alternative alleles were found in all possible combinations on separate chromosomes indicative of recombination within the core genome. Including recombination did not affect the distinctiveness of the MLVA-CCs when measured by WGS. We found that WGS generally reflected the same genetic relatedness of isolates as MLVA, indicating that isolates from the same MLVA-CC shared a more recent common ancestor than isolates from the same location that clustered in a distinct MLVA-CC.}, doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnw116}, url = {https://academic.oup.com/femsle/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/femsle/fnw116}, author = {Rashid, Mahamud-ur and Almeida, Mathieu and Azman, Andrew S. and Lindsay, Brianna R. and Sack, David A. and Rita R Colwell and Huq, Anwar and Morris, J. Glenn and Alam, Munirul and Stine, O. Colin}, editor = {Winstanley, Craig} } @article {20336, title = {Cross-talk among flesh-eating Aeromonas hydrophila strains in mixed infection leading to necrotizing fasciitis}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, volume = {11312161268}, year = {2016}, month = {Jul-01-2017}, pages = {722 - 727}, abstract = {Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) caused by flesh-eating bacteria is associated with high case fatality. In an earlier study, we reported infection of an immunocompetent individual with multiple strains of Aeromonas hydrophila (NF1{\textendash}NF4), the latter three constituted a clonal group whereas NF1 was phylogenetically distinct. To understand the complex interactions of these strains in NF pathophysiology, a mouse model was used, whereby either single or mixed A. hydrophila strains were injected intramuscularly. NF2, which harbors exotoxin A (exoA) gene, was highly virulent when injected alone, but its virulence was attenuated in the presence of NF1 (exoA-minus). NF1 alone, although not lethal to animals, became highly virulent when combined with NF2, its virulence augmented by cis-exoA expression when injected alone in mice. Based on metagenomics and microbiological analyses, it was found that, in mixed infection, NF1 selectively disseminated to mouse peripheral organs, whereas the other strains (NF2, NF3, and NF4) were confined to the injection site and eventually cleared. In vitro studies showed NF2 to be more effectively phagocytized and killed by macrophages than NF1. NF1 inhibited growth of NF2 on solid media, but ExoA of NF2 augmented virulence of NF1 and the presence of NF1 facilitated clearance of NF2 from animals either by enhanced priming of host immune system or direct killing via a contact-dependent mechanism.}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1523817113}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/lookup/doi/10.1073/pnas.1523817113}, author = {Ponnusamy, Duraisamy and Kozlova, Elena V. and Sha, Jian and Erova, Tatiana E. and Azar, Sasha R. and Fitts, Eric C. and Kirtley, Michelle L. and Tiner, Bethany L. and Andersson, Jourdan A. and Grim, Christopher J. and Isom, Richard P. and Hasan, Nur A. and Rita R Colwell and Chopra, Ashok K.} } @article {20325, title = {Enrichment dynamics of Listeria monocytogenes and the associated microbiome from naturally contaminated ice cream linked to a listeriosis outbreak}, journal = {BMC Microbiology}, year = {2016}, month = {Jan-12-2016}, doi = {10.1186/s12866-016-0894-1}, url = {http://bmcmicrobiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12866-016-0894-1}, author = {Ottesen, Andrea and Ramachandran, Padmini and Reed, Elizabeth and White, James R. and Hasan, Nur and Subramanian, Poorani and Ryan, Gina and Jarvis, Karen and Grim, Christopher and Daquiqan, Ninalynn and Hanes, Darcy and Allard, Marc and Rita R Colwell and Brown, Eric and Chen, Yi} } @article {20331, title = {In Plain View: A Transparent Systems Approach for Enhancing Health Policy Decisions}, year = {2016}, month = {07/2016}, url = {https://www.nae.edu/19582/Bridge/155266/155393.aspx}, author = {Guru Madhavan and Charles E. Phelps and Rita R Colwell and Rino Rappuoli and Harvey V. Fineberg} } @article {20330, title = {IncA/C Conjugative Plasmids Mobilize a New Family of Multidrug Resistance Islands in Clinical Vibrio cholerae Non-O1/Non-O139 Isolates from Haiti}, journal = {mBio}, year = {2016}, month = {Jul-09-2016}, abstract = {Mobile genetic elements play a pivotal role in the adaptation of bacterial populations, allowing them to rapidly cope with hostile conditions, including the presence of antimicrobial compounds. IncA/C conjugative plasmids (ACPs) are efficient vehicles for dissemination of multidrug resistance genes in a broad range of pathogenic species of Enterobacteriaceae. ACPs have sporadically been reported in Vibrio cholerae, the infectious agent of the diarrheal disease cholera. The regulatory network that controls ACP mobility ultimately depends on the transcriptional activation of multiple ACP-borne operons by the master activator AcaCD. Beyond ACP conjugation, AcaCD has also recently been shown to activate the expression of genes located in the Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1). Here, we describe MGIVchHai6, a novel and unrelated mobilizable genomic island (MGI) integrated into the 3' end of trmE in chromosome I of V. cholerae HC-36A1, a non-O1/non-O139 multidrug-resistant clinical isolate recovered from Haiti in 2010. MGIVchHai6 contains a mercury resistance transposon and an integron In104-like multidrug resistance element similar to the one of SGI1. We show that MGIVchHai6 excises from the chromosome in an AcaCD-dependent manner and is mobilized by ACPs. Acquisition of MGIVchHai6 confers resistance to β-lactams, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, and streptomycin/spectinomycin. In silico analyses revealed that MGIVchHai6-like elements are carried by several environmental and clinical V. cholerae strains recovered from the Indian subcontinent, as well as from North and South America, including all non-O1/non-O139 clinical isolates from Haiti.}, doi = {10.1128/mBio.00509-16}, url = {http://mbio.asm.org/lookup/doi/10.1128/mBio.00509-16}, author = {Carraro, Nicolas and Rivard, Nicolas and Ceccarelli, Daniela and Rita R Colwell and Burrus, Vincent} } @article {20321, title = {Modeling Sustainability: Population, Inequality, Consumption, and Bidirectional Coupling of the Earth and Human Systems}, journal = {National Science Review}, year = {2016}, month = {Nov-12-2016}, pages = {nww081}, abstract = {Over the last two centuries, the impact of the Human System has grown dramatically, becoming strongly dominant within the Earth System in many different ways. Consumption, inequality, and population have increased extremely fast, especially since about 1950, threatening to overwhelm the many critical functions and ecosystems of the Earth System. Changes in the Earth System, in turn, have important feedback effects on the Human System, with costly and potentially serious consequences. However, current models do not incorporate these critical feedbacks. We argue that in order to understand the dynamics of either system, Earth System Models must be coupled with Human System Models through bidirectional couplings representing the positive, negative, and delayed feedbacks that exist in the real systems. In particular, key Human System variables, such as demographics, inequality, economic growth, and migration, are not coupled with the Earth System but are instead driven by exogenous estimates, such as United Nations population projections. This makes current models likely to miss important feedbacks in the real Earth{\textendash}Human system, especially those that may result in unexpected or counterintuitive outcomes, and thus requiring different policy interventions from current models. The importance and imminence of sustainability challenges, the dominant role of the Human System in the Earth System, and the essential roles the Earth System plays for the Human System, all call for collaboration of natural scientists, social scientists, and engineers in multidisciplinary research and modeling to develop coupled Earth{\textendash}Human system models for devising effective science-based policies and measures to benefit current and future generations.}, issn = {2095-5138}, doi = {10.1093/nsr/nww081}, url = {https://academic.oup.com/nsr/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/nsr/nww081}, author = {Motesharrei, Safa and Rivas, Jorge and Kalnay, Eugenia and Asrar, Ghassem R. and Busalacchi, Antonio J. and Cahalan, Robert F. and Cane, Mark A. and Rita R Colwell and Feng, Kuishuang and Franklin, Rachel S. and Hubacek, Klaus and Miralles-Wilhelm, Fernando and Miyoshi, Takemasa and Ruth, Matthias and Sagdeev, Roald and Shirmohammadi, Adel and Shukla, Jagadish and Srebric, Jelena and Yakovenko, Victor M. and Zeng, Ning} } @article {20335, title = {Phylogenetic Diversity of Vibrio cholerae Associated with Endemic Cholera in Mexico from 1991 to 2008}, journal = {mBio}, volume = {7}, year = {2016}, month = {Apr-05-2016}, abstract = {An outbreak of cholera occurred in 1991 in Mexico, where it had not been reported for more than a century and is now endemic. Vibrio cholerae O1 prototype El Tor and classical strains coexist with altered El Tor strains (1991 to 1997). Nontoxigenic (CTX-) V. cholerae El Tor dominated toxigenic (CTX+) strains (2001 to 2003), but V. cholerae CTX+ variant El Tor was isolated during 2004 to 2008, outcompeting CTX- V. cholerae. Genomes of six Mexican V. cholerae O1 strains isolated during 1991 to 2008 were sequenced and compared with both contemporary and archived strains of V. cholerae. Three were CTX+ El Tor, two were CTX- El Tor, and the remaining strain was a CTX+ classical isolate. Whole-genome sequence analysis showed the six isolates belonged to five distinct phylogenetic clades. One CTX- isolate is ancestral to the 6th and 7th pandemic CTX+ V. cholerae isolates. The other CTX- isolate joined with CTX- non-O1/O139 isolates from Haiti and seroconverted O1 isolates from Brazil and Amazonia. One CTX+ isolate was phylogenetically placed with the sixth pandemic classical clade and the V. cholerae O395 classical reference strain. Two CTX+ El Tor isolates possessing intact Vibrio seventh pandemic island II (VSP-II) are related to hybrid El Tor isolates from Mozambique and Bangladesh. The third CTX+ El Tor isolate contained West African-South American (WASA) recombination in VSP-II and showed relatedness to isolates from Peru and Brazil. Except for one isolate, all Mexican isolates lack SXT/R391 integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) and sensitivity to selected antibiotics, with one isolate resistant to streptomycin. No isolates were related to contemporary isolates from Asia, Africa, or Haiti, indicating phylogenetic diversity.}, doi = {10.1128/mBio.02160-15}, url = {http://mbio.asm.org/lookup/doi/10.1128/mBio.02160-15}, author = {Choi, Seon Y and Rashed, Shah M. and Hasan, Nur A. and Alam, Munirul and Islam, Tarequl and Sadique, Abdus and Johura, Fatema-Tuz and Eppinger, Mark and Ravel, Jacques and Huq, Anwar and Cravioto, Alejandro and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20327, title = {Recognition of achievement {\textendash} priorities and process}, journal = {Materials Today}, volume = {19}, year = {2016}, month = {Jan-12-2016}, pages = {547 - 549}, issn = {13697021}, doi = {10.1016/j.mattod.2016.08.001}, url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1369702116301055}, author = {Madsen, Lynnette D. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20326, title = {Reduced Susceptibility to Extended-Spectrum β-Lactams in Vibrio cholerae Isolated in Bangladesh}, journal = {Frontiers in Public Health}, year = {2016}, month = {Jun-10-2017}, doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2016.00231}, url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpubh.2016.00231/full}, author = {Ceccarelli, Daniela and Alam, Munirul and Huq, Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20333, title = {Strategic Planning in Population Health and Public Health Practice: A Call to Action for Higher Education}, journal = {The Milbank Quarterly}, volume = {94906033}, year = {2016}, month = {Jan-03-2016}, pages = {109 - 125}, abstract = {POLICY POINTS: Scarce resources, especially in population health and public health practice, underlie the importance of strategic planning. Public health agencies{\textquoteright} current planning and priority setting efforts are often narrow, at times opaque, and focused on single metrics such as cost-effectiveness. As demonstrated by SMART Vaccines, a decision support software system developed by the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Engineering, new approaches to strategic planning allow the formal incorporation of multiple stakeholder views and multicriteria decision making that surpass even those sophisticated cost-effectiveness analyses widely recommended and used for public health planning. Institutions of higher education can and should respond by building on modern strategic planning tools as they teach their students how to improve population health and public health practice. CONTEXT: Strategic planning in population health and public health practice often uses single indicators of success or, when using multiple indicators, provides no mechanism for coherently combining the assessments. Cost-effectiveness analysis, the most complex strategic planning tool commonly applied in public health, uses only a single metric to evaluate programmatic choices, even though other factors often influence actual decisions. METHODS: Our work employed a multicriteria systems analysis approach--specifically, multiattribute utility theory--to assist in strategic planning and priority setting in a particular area of health care (vaccines), thereby moving beyond the traditional cost-effectiveness analysis approach. FINDINGS: (1) Multicriteria systems analysis provides more flexibility, transparency, and clarity in decision support for public health issues compared with cost-effectiveness analysis. (2) More sophisticated systems-level analyses will become increasingly important to public health as disease burdens increase and the resources to deal with them become scarcer. CONCLUSIONS: The teaching of strategic planning in public health must be expanded in order to fill a void in the profession{\textquoteright}s planning capabilities. Public health training should actively incorporate model building, promote the interactive use of software tools, and explore planning approaches that transcend restrictive assumptions of cost-effectiveness analysis. The Strategic Multi-Attribute Ranking Tool for Vaccines (SMART Vaccines), which was recently developed by the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Engineering to help prioritize new vaccine development, is a working example of systems analysis as a basis for decision support.}, doi = {10.1111/1468-0009.12182}, url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4941964/}, author = {Phelps, Charles and Madhavan, Guruprasad and Rappuoli, Rino and LEVIN, SCOTT and Shortlife, Edward and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20341, title = {Building Infectious Disease Research Programs to Promote Security and Enhance Collaborations with Countries of the Former Soviet Union}, journal = {Frontiers in Public Health}, volume = {35361632}, year = {2015}, month = {Feb-11-2017}, doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2015.00271}, url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/Article/10.3389/fpubh.2015.00271/abstract}, author = {Bartholomew, James C. and Pearson, Andrew D. and Stenseth, Nils C. and LeDuc, James W. and Hirschberg, David L. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20349, title = {Concordance and discordance of sequence survey methods for molecular epidemiology}, journal = {PeerJ}, year = {2015}, month = {Jan-01-2015}, pages = {e761}, abstract = {The post-genomic era is characterized by the direct acquisition and analysis of genomic data with many applications, including the enhancement of the understanding of microbial epidemiology and pathology. However, there are a number of molecular approaches to survey pathogen diversity, and the impact of these different approaches on parameter estimation and inference are not entirely clear. We sequenced whole genomes of bacterial pathogens, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Yersinia pestis, and Brucella spp. (60 new genomes), and combined them with 55 genomes from GenBank to address how different molecular survey approaches (whole genomes, SNPs, and MLST) impact downstream inferences on molecular evolutionary parameters, evolutionary relationships, and trait character associations. We selected isolates for sequencing to represent temporal, geographic origin, and host range variability. We found that substitution rate estimates vary widely among approaches, and that SNP and genomic datasets yielded different but strongly supported phylogenies. MLST yielded poorly supported phylogenies, especially in our low diversity dataset, i.e., Y. pestis. Trait associations showed that B. pseudomallei and Y. pestis phylogenies are significantly associated with geography, irrespective of the molecular survey approach used, while Brucella spp. phylogeny appears to be strongly associated with geography and host origin. We contrast inferences made among monomorphic (clonal) and non-monomorphic bacteria, and between intra- and inter-specific datasets. We also discuss our results in light of underlying assumptions of different approaches.}, doi = {10.7717/peerj.761}, url = {https://peerj.com/articles/761}, author = {Castro-Nallar, Eduardo and Hasan, Nur A. and Cebula, Thomas A. and Rita R Colwell and Robison, Richard A. and Johnson, W. Evan and Crandall, Keith A.} } @article {20348, title = {Deep-sea hydrothermal vent bacteria related to human pathogenic Vibrio species}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, year = {2015}, month = {Feb-05-2017}, pages = {E2813 - E2819}, abstract = {Vibrio species are both ubiquitous and abundant in marine coastal waters, estuaries, ocean sediment, and aquaculture settings worldwide. We report here the isolation, characterization, and genome sequence of a novel Vibrio species, Vibrio antiquarius, isolated from a mesophilic bacterial community associated with hydrothermal vents located along the East Pacific Rise, near the southwest coast of Mexico. Genomic and phenotypic analysis revealed V. antiquarius is closely related to pathogenic Vibrio species, namely Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio harveyi, and Vibrio vulnificus, but sufficiently divergent to warrant a separate species status. The V. antiquarius genome encodes genes and operons with ecological functions relevant to the environment conditions of the deep sea and also harbors factors known to be involved in human disease caused by freshwater, coastal, and brackish water vibrios. The presence of virulence factors in this deep-sea Vibrio species suggests a far more fundamental role of these factors for their bacterial host. Comparative genomics revealed a variety of genomic events that may have provided an important driving force in V. antiquarius evolution, facilitating response to environmental conditions of the deep sea.}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1503928112}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/lookup/doi/10.1073/pnas.1503928112}, author = {Hasan, Nur A. and Grim, Christopher J. and Lipp, Erin K. and Rivera, Irma N. G. and Chun, Jongsik and Haley, Bradd J. and Taviani, Elisa and Choi, Seon Young and Hoq, Mozammel and Munk, A. Christine and Brettin, Thomas S. and Bruce, David and Challacombe, Jean F. and Detter, J. Chris and Han, Cliff S. and Eisen, Jonathan A. and Huq, Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20350, title = {Diagnostic Approach for Monitoring Hydroclimatic Conditions Related to Emergence of West Nile Virus in West Virginia}, journal = {Frontiers in Public Health}, year = {2015}, month = {Dec-02-2015}, abstract = {West Nile virus (WNV), mosquito-borne and water-based disease, is increasingly a global threat to public health. Since its appearance in the northeastern United States in 1999, WNV has since been reported in several states in the continental United States. The objective of this study is to highlight role of hydroclimatic processes estimated through satellite sensors in capturing conditions for emergence of the vectors in historically disease free regions. We tested the hypothesis that an increase in surface temperature, in combination with intensification of vegetation, and enhanced precipitation, lead to conditions favorable for vector (mosquito) growth. Analysis of land surface temperature (LST) pattern shows that temperature values >16{\textdegree}C, with heavy precipitation, may lead to abundance of the mosquito population. This hypothesis was tested in West Virginia where a sudden epidemic of WNV infection was reported in 2012. Our results emphasize the value of hydroclimatic processes estimated by satellite remote sensing, as well as continued environmental surveillance of mosquitoes, because when a vector-borne infection like WNV is discovered in contiguous regions, the risk of spread of WNV mosquitoes increase at points where appropriate hydroclimatic processes intersect with the vector niche.}, doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2015.00010}, url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/Article/10.3389/fpubh.2015.00010/abstract}, author = {Jutla, Antarpreet and Huq, Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20343, title = {Downscaling river discharge to assess the effects of climate change on cholera outbreaks in the Bengal Delta}, journal = {Climate Research}, volume = {64}, year = {2015}, month = {Jul-08-2017}, pages = {257 - 274}, abstract = {Endemic cholera in the Bengal Delta region of South Asia has been associated with asymmetric and episodic variability of river discharge. Spring cholera was found to be related to intrusion of bacteria-laden coastal seawater during low flow seasons. Autumn cholera was hypothesized to result from cross-contamination of water resources when high river discharge causes massive inland inundation. The effect of climate change on diarrheal diseases has not been explored, because of the difficulties in establishing linkages between coarse-resolution global climate model outputs with localized disease outbreaks. Since rivers act as corridors for transport of cholera bacteria, the first step is to understand the discharge variability that may occur with climate change and whether it is linked to cholera. Here, we present a framework for downscaling precipitation from global climate models for river discharge in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin. Using a data-mining method that includes particle swarm optimization-based support vector regression, precipitation was downscaled for a statistical multiple regressive model to estimate river discharge in the basin. Key results from an ensemble of HadCM3, GFDL, and ECHAM5 models indicated 8 and 7.5\% increase in flows for the IPCC A1B and A2 scenarios, respectively. The majority of the changes are attributable to increases in flows from February through August for both scenarios, with little to no change in seasonality of high and low flows during the next century. The probability of spring and autumn cholera is likely to increase steadily in the endemic region of the Bengal Delta. }, issn = {0936-577X}, doi = {10.3354/cr01310}, url = {http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/cr/v64/n3/p257-274/}, author = {Nasr-Azadani, F and Unnikrishnan, A and Akanda, A and Islam, S and Alam, M and Huq, A and Jutla, A and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20337, title = {Environmental Surveillance for Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae in Surface Waters of Haiti}, journal = {The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene}, volume = {92}, year = {2015}, month = {Jul-01-2015}, pages = {118 - 125}, abstract = {Epidemic cholera was reported in Haiti in 2010, with no information available on the occurrence or geographic distribution of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae in Haitian waters. In a series of field visits conducted in Haiti between 2011 and 2013, water and plankton samples were collected at 19 sites. Vibrio cholerae was detected using culture, polymerase chain reaction, and direct viable count methods (DFA-DVC). Cholera toxin genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction in broth enrichments of samples collected in all visits except March 2012. Toxigenic V. cholerae was isolated from river water in 2011 and 2013. Whole genome sequencing revealed that these isolates were a match to the outbreak strain. The DFA-DVC tests were positive for V. cholerae O1 in plankton samples collected from multiple sites. Results of this survey show that toxigenic V. cholerae could be recovered from surface waters in Haiti more than 2 years after the onset of the epidemic.}, issn = {0002-9637}, doi = {10.4269/ajtmh.13-0601}, url = {http://www.ajtmh.org/content/journals/10.4269/ajtmh.13-0601}, author = {Hill, Vincent R. and Humphrys, Michael S. and Kahler, Amy M. and Boncy, Jacques and Tarr, Cheryl L. and Huq, Anwar and Chen, Arlene and Katz, Lee S. and Mull, Bonnie J. and Derado, Gordana and Haley, Bradd J. and Freeman, Nicole and Rita R Colwell and Turnsek, Maryann} } @article {20347, title = {Hybrid Vibrio~cholerae El Tor Lacking SXT Identified as the Cause of a Cholera Outbreak in the Philippines}, journal = {mBio}, year = {2015}, month = {Jan-05-2015}, abstract = {Cholera continues to be a global threat, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. In 2011, a cholera outbreak occurred in Palawan, Philippines, affecting more than 500 people, and 20 individuals died. Vibrio cholerae O1 was confirmed as the etiological agent. Source attribution is critical in cholera outbreaks for proper management of the disease, as well as to control spread. In this study, three V. cholerae O1 isolates from a Philippines cholera outbreak were sequenced and their genomes analyzed to determine phylogenetic relatedness to V. cholerae O1 isolates from recent outbreaks of cholera elsewhere. The Philippines V. cholerae O1 isolates were determined to be V. cholerae O1 hybrid El Tor belonging to the seventh-pandemic clade. They clustered tightly, forming a monophyletic clade closely related to V. cholerae O1 hybrid El Tor from Asia and Africa. The isolates possess a unique multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) genotype (12-7-9-18-25 and 12-7-10-14-21) and lack SXT. In addition, they possess a novel 15-kb genomic island (GI-119) containing a predicted type I restriction-modification system. The CTXΦ-RS1 array of the Philippines isolates was similar to that of V. cholerae O1 MG116926, a hybrid El Tor strain isolated in Bangladesh in 1991. Overall, the data indicate that the Philippines V. cholerae O1 isolates are unique, differing from recent V. cholerae O1 isolates from Asia, Africa, and Haiti. Furthermore, the results of this study support the hypothesis that the Philippines isolates of V. cholerae O1 are indigenous and exist locally in the aquatic ecosystem of the Philippines.}, doi = {10.1128/mBio.00047-15}, url = {http://mbio.asm.org/lookup/doi/10.1128/mBio.00047-15}, author = {Klinzing, David C. and Choi, Seon Young and Hasan, Nur A. and Matias, Ronald R. and Tayag, Enrique and Geronimo, Josefina and Skowronski, Evan and Rashed, Shah M. and Kawashima, Kent and Rosenzweig, C. Nicole and Gibbons, Henry S. and Torres, Brian C. and Liles, Veni and Alfon, Alicia C. and Juan, Maria Luisa and Natividad, Filipinas F. and Cebula, Thomas A. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20345, title = {Molecular tools in understanding the evolution of Vibrio cholerae}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, year = {2015}, month = {Jun-10-2015}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae, the etiological agent of cholera, has been a scourge for centuries. Cholera remains a serious health threat for developing countries and has been responsible for millions of deaths globally over the past 200 years. Identification of V. cholerae has been accomplished using a variety of methods, ranging from phenotypic strategies to DNA based molecular typing and currently whole genomic approaches. This array of methods has been adopted in epidemiological investigations, either singly or in the aggregate, and more recently for evolutionary analyses of V. cholerae. Because the new technologies have been developed at an ever increasing pace, this review of the range of fingerprinting strategies, their relative advantages and limitations, and cholera case studies was undertaken. The task was challenging, considering the vast amount of the information available. To assist the study, key references representative of several areas of research are provided with the intent to provide readers with a comprehensive view of recent advances in the molecular epidemiology of V. cholerae. Suggestions for ways to obviate many of the current limitations of typing techniques are also provided. In summary, a comparative report has been prepared that includes the range from traditional typing to whole genomic strategies.}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2015.01040}, url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/Article/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01040/abstract}, author = {Rahaman, Md. Habibur and Islam, Tarequl and Rita R Colwell and Alam, Munirul} } @article {20351, title = {Non-O1/Non-O139 Vibrio cholerae Carrying Multiple Virulence Factors and V. cholerae O1 in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland}, journal = {Applied and Environmental Microbiology}, year = {2015}, month = {Mar-03-2016}, pages = {1909 - 1918}, abstract = {Non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae inhabits estuarine and coastal waters globally, but its clinical significance has not been sufficiently investigated, despite the fact that it has been associated with septicemia and gastroenteritis. The emergence of virulent non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae is consistent with the recognition of new pathogenic variants worldwide. Oyster, sediment, and water samples were collected during a vibrio surveillance program carried out from 2009 to 2012 in the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. V. cholerae O1 was detected by a direct fluorescent-antibody (DFA) assay but was not successfully cultured, whereas 395 isolates of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae were confirmed by multiplex PCR and serology. Only a few of the non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae isolates were resistant to ampicillin and/or penicillin. Most of the isolates were sensitive to all antibiotics tested, and 77 to 90\% carried the El Tor variant hemolysin gene hlyA ET, the actin cross-linking repeats in toxin gene rtxA, the hemagglutinin protease gene hap, and the type 6 secretion system. About 19 to 21\% of the isolates carried the neuraminidase-encoding gene nanH and/or the heat-stable toxin (NAG-ST), and only 5\% contained a type 3 secretion system. None of the non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae isolates contained Vibrio pathogenicity island-associated genes. However, ctxA, ace, or zot was present in nine isolates. Fifty-five different genotypes showed up to 12 virulence factors, independent of the source of isolation, and represent the first report of both antibiotic susceptibility and virulence associated with non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae from the Chesapeake Bay. Since these results confirm the presence of potentially pathogenic non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae, monitoring for total V. cholerae, regardless of serotype, should be done within the context of public health.}, issn = {0099-2240}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.03540-14}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/lookup/doi/10.1128/AEM.03540-14}, author = {Ceccarelli, Daniela and Chen, Arlene and Hasan, Nur A. and Rashed, Shah M. and Huq, Anwar and Rita R Colwell}, editor = {Elkins, C. A.} } @article {20338, title = {Nontoxigenic Vibrio cholerae Non-O1/O139 Isolate from a Case of Human Gastroenteritis in the U.S. Gulf Coast}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Microbiology}, year = {2015}, month = {Jun-01-2016}, pages = {9 - 14}, abstract = {An occurrence of Vibrio cholerae non-O1/O139 gastroenteritis in the U.S. Gulf Coast is reported here. Genomic analysis revealed that the isolate lacked known virulence factors associated with the clinical outcome of a V. cholerae infection but did contain putative genomic islands and other accessory virulence factors. Many of these factors are widespread among environmental strains of V. cholerae, suggesting that there might be additional virulence factors in non-O1/O139 V. cholerae yet to be determined. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate belonged to a phyletic lineage of environmental V. cholerae isolates associated with sporadic cases of gastroenteritis in the Western Hemisphere, suggesting a need to monitor non-O1/O139 V. cholerae in the interest of public health.}, issn = {0095-1137}, doi = {10.1128/JCM.02187-14}, url = {http://jcm.asm.org/lookup/doi/10.1128/JCM.02187-14}, author = {Hasan, Nur A. and Rezayat, Talayeh and Blatz, Peter J. and Choi, Seon Young and Griffitt, Kimberly J. and Rashed, Shah M. and Huq, Anwar and Conger, Nicholas G. and Rita R Colwell and Grimes, D. Jay}, editor = {Munson, E.} } @article {20319, title = {Occurrence and Diversity of Clinically Important Vibrio Species in the Aquatic Environment of Georgia}, journal = {Frontiers in Public Health}, year = {2015}, month = {10/2015}, doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2015.00232}, url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/Article/10.3389/fpubh.2015.00232/}, author = {Kokashvili, Tamar and Whitehouse, Chris A. and Tskhvediani, Ana and Grim, Christopher J. and Elbakidze, Tinatin and Mitaishvili, Nino and Janelidze, Nino and Jaiani, Ekaterine and Haley, Bradd J. and Lashkhi, Nino and Huq, Anwar and Rita R Colwell and Tediashvili, Marina} } @article {20339, title = {Predictive Time Series Analysis Linking Bengal Cholera with Terrestrial Water Storage Measured from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Sensors}, journal = {The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene}, volume = {93}, year = {2015}, month = {Sep-12-2015}, pages = {1179 - 1186}, abstract = {Outbreaks of diarrheal diseases, including cholera, are related to floods and droughts in regions where water and sanitation infrastructure are inadequate or insufficient. However, availability of data on water scarcity and abundance in transnational basins, are a prerequisite for developing cholera forecasting systems. With more than a decade of terrestrial water storage (TWS) data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, conditions favorable for predicting cholera occurrence may now be determined. We explored lead{\textendash}lag relationships between TWS in the Ganges{\textendash}Brahmaputra{\textendash}Meghna basin and endemic cholera in Bangladesh. Since bimodal seasonal peaks in cholera in Bangladesh occur during spring and autumn seasons, two separate logistical models between TWS and disease time series (2002{\textendash}2010) were developed. TWS representing water availability showed an asymmetrical, strong association with cholera prevalence in the spring (τ = -0.53; P < 0.001) and autumn (τ = 0.45; P < 0.001) up to 6 months in advance. One unit (centimeter of water) decrease in water availability in the basin increased odds of above normal cholera by 24\% (confidence interval [CI] = 20{\textendash}31\%; P < 0.05) in the spring, while an increase in regional water by 1 unit, through floods, increased odds of above average cholera in the autumn by 29\% (CI = 22{\textendash}33\%; P < 0.05).}, issn = {0002-9637}, doi = {10.4269/ajtmh.14-0648}, url = {http://www.ajtmh.org/content/journals/10.4269/ajtmh.14-0648}, author = {Rita R Colwell and Unnikrishnan, Avinash and Jutla, Antarpreet and Huq, Anwar and Akanda, Ali} } @article {20344, title = {Rapid Proliferation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio cholerae during Freshwater Flash Floods in French Mediterranean Coastal Lagoons}, journal = {Applied and Environmental Microbiology}, year = {2015}, month = {Jan-11-2015}, pages = {7600 - 7609}, abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio cholerae of the non-O1/non-O139 serotype are present in coastal lagoons of southern France. In these Mediterranean regions, the rivers have long low-flow periods followed by short-duration or flash floods during and after heavy intense rainstorms, particularly at the end of the summer and in autumn. These floods bring large volumes of freshwater into the lagoons, reducing their salinity. Water temperatures recorded during sampling (15 to 24{\textdegree}C) were favorable for the presence and multiplication of vibrios. In autumn 2011, before heavy rainfalls and flash floods, salinities ranged from 31.4 to 36.1{\textperthousand} and concentrations of V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. cholerae varied from 0 to 1.5 {\texttimes} 103 most probable number (MPN)/liter, 0.7 to 2.1 {\texttimes} 103 MPN/liter, and 0 to 93 MPN/liter, respectively. Following heavy rainstorms that generated severe flash flooding and heavy discharge of freshwater, salinity decreased, reaching 2.2 to 16.4{\textperthousand} within 15 days, depending on the site, with a concomitant increase in Vibrio concentration to ca. 104 MPN/liter. The highest concentrations were reached with salinities between 10 and 20{\textperthousand} for V. parahaemolyticus, 10 and 15{\textperthousand} for V. vulnificus, and 5 and 12{\textperthousand} for V. cholerae. Thus, an abrupt decrease in salinity caused by heavy rainfall and major flooding favored growth of human-pathogenic Vibrio spp. and their proliferation in the Languedocian lagoons. Based on these results, it is recommended that temperature and salinity monitoring be done to predict the presence of these Vibrio spp. in shellfish-harvesting areas of the lagoons.}, issn = {0099-2240}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.01848-15}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/lookup/doi/10.1128/AEM.01848-15}, author = {Esteves, Kevin and Hervio-Heath, Dominique and Mosser, Thomas and Rodier, Claire and Tournoud, Marie-George and Jumas-Bilak, Estelle and Rita R Colwell and Monfort, Patrick}, editor = {Wommack, K. E.} } @article {20342, title = {Satellite Based Assessment of Hydroclimatic Conditions Related to Cholera in Zimbabwe}, journal = {PLOS ONE}, year = {2015}, month = {May-09-2017}, pages = {e0137828}, abstract = {Introduction Cholera, an infectious diarrheal disease, has been shown to be associated with large scale hydroclimatic processes. The sudden and sporadic occurrence of epidemic cholera is linked with high mortality rates, in part, due to uncertainty in timing and location of outbreaks. Improved understanding of the relationship between pathogenic abundance and climatic processes allows prediction of disease outbreak to be an achievable goal. In this study, we show association of large scale hydroclimatic processes with the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe reported to have begun in Chitungwiza, a city in Mashonaland East province, in August, 2008. Principal Findings Climatic factors in the region were found to be associated with triggering cholera outbreak and are shown to be related to anomalies of temperature and precipitation, validating the hypothesis that poor conditions of sanitation, coupled with elevated temperatures, and followed by heavy rainfall can initiate outbreaks of cholera. Spatial estimation by satellite of precipitation and global gridded air temperature captured sensitivities in hydroclimatic conditions that permitted identification of the location in the region where the disease outbreak began. Discussion Satellite derived hydroclimatic processes can be used to capture environmental conditions related to epidemic cholera, as occurred in Zimbabwe, thereby providing an early warning system. Since cholera cannot be eradicated because the causative agent, Vibrio cholerae, is autochthonous to the aquatic environment, prediction of conditions favorable for its growth and estimation of risks of triggering the disease in a given population can be used to alert responders, potentially decreasing infection and saving lives. }, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0137828}, url = {https://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0137828}, author = {Jutla, Antarpreet and Aldaach, Haidar and Billian, Hannah and Akanda, Ali and Huq, Anwar and Rita R Colwell}, editor = {Schumann, Guy J-P.} } @article {20340, title = {A unified initiative to harness Earth{\textquoteright}s microbiomes}, journal = {Science}, year = {2015}, month = {Jun-10-2017}, pages = {507 - 508}, issn = {0036-8075}, doi = {10.1126/science.aac8480}, url = {http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi/10.1126/science.aac8480}, author = {Alivisatos, A. P. and Blaser, M. J. and Brodie, E. L. and Chun, M. and Dangl, J. L. and Donohue, T. J. and Dorrestein, P. C. and Gilbert, J. A. and Green, J. L. and Jansson, J. K. and Knight, R. and Maxon, M. E. and McFall-Ngai, M. J. and Miller, J. F. and Pollard, K. S. and Ruby, E. G. and Taha, S. A. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20346, title = {Use of Environmental Parameters to Model Pathogenic Vibrios in Chesapeake Bay}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Informatics}, year = {2015}, month = {Jan-01-2015}, abstract = {Although the transportation sector is a major contributor to urban air pollution and global climate change due to its substantial energy consumptions, previous studies for evacuation practices in this sector seldom took environmental consequences into account. As an attempt in event-related evacuation planning under uncertainty, this study proposed an emission-mitigation-oriented fuzzy evacuation management (emoFEM) model. Comprehensive considerations over system efficiency, environmental protection, economic cost and resource availability were incorporated within a general modeling formulation to facilitate evacuation management in a systematic and compromise manner. Vague and ambiguous information embedded within evacuation problems could be quantified and directly communicated into the optimization process, greatly improving conventional tools for evacuation management under uncertainty. The proposed emoFEM model was then applied to a hypothetic but representative case. Useful solutions were generated, which could help identify timely, safe and cost-effective evacuation schemes without significant disturbances over normal municipal traffic and environmental quality. The advantages of emoFEM were further revealed through comparing its solutions with those from its deterministic counterpart. }, issn = {17262135}, doi = {10.3808/jei.201500307}, url = {http://www.iseis.org/jei/abstract.asp?no=201500307}, author = {Zaitchik, B. F. and Guikema, S. D. and Haley, B. J. and Taviani, E. and Chen, A. and Brown, M.E. and Huq, A. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20365, title = {Global diarrhoea action plan needs integrated climate-based surveillance}, journal = {The Lancet Global Health}, volume = {2}, year = {2014}, month = {Jan-02-2014}, pages = {e69 - e70}, issn = {2214109X}, doi = {10.1016/S2214-109X(13)70155-4}, url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2214109X13701554}, author = {Akanda, Ali S and Jutla, Antarpreet S and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20359, title = {Vibrio metoecus sp. nov., a close relative of Vibrio cholerae isolated from coastal brackish ponds and clinical specimens}, journal = {INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY}, year = {2014}, month = {Jan-09-2014}, pages = {3208 - 3214}, issn = {1466-5026}, doi = {10.1099/ijs.0.060145-0}, url = {http://ijs.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/ijsem/10.1099/ijs.0.060145-0}, author = {Kirchberger, P. C. and Turnsek, M. and Hunt, D. E. and Haley, B. J. and Rita R Colwell and Polz, M. F. and Tarr, C. L. and Boucher, Y.} } @article {20358, title = {Vibrio ecology, pathogenesis, and evolution}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, year = {2014}, month = {Apr-05-2016}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2014.00256}, url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmicb.2014.00256}, author = {Ceccarelli, Daniela and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20361, title = {Microbial Community Profiling of Human Saliva Using Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing}, journal = {PLoS ONE}, year = {2014}, month = {Aug-05-2015}, pages = {e97699}, abstract = {Human saliva is clinically informative of both oral and general health. Since next generation shotgun sequencing (NGS) is now widely used to identify and quantify bacteria, we investigated the bacterial flora of saliva microbiomes of two healthy volunteers and five datasets from the Human Microbiome Project, along with a control dataset containing short NGS reads from bacterial species representative of the bacterial flora of human saliva. GENIUS, a system designed to identify and quantify bacterial species using unassembled short NGS reads was used to identify the bacterial species comprising the microbiomes of the saliva samples and datasets. Results, achieved within minutes and at greater than 90\% accuracy, showed more than 175 bacterial species comprised the bacterial flora of human saliva, including bacteria known to be commensal human flora but also Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Gamma proteobacteria. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTn) analysis in parallel, reported ca. five times more species than those actually comprising the in silico sample. Both GENIUS and BLAST analyses of saliva samples identified major genera comprising the bacterial flora of saliva, but GENIUS provided a more precise description of species composition, identifying to strain in most cases and delivered results at least 10,000 times faster. Therefore, GENIUS offers a facile and accurate system for identification and quantification of bacterial species and/or strains in metagenomic samples.}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0097699}, url = {https://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0097699}, author = {Hasan, Nur A. and Young, Brian A. and Minard-Smith, Angela T. and Saeed, Kelly and Li, Huai and Heizer, Esley M. and McMillan, Nancy J. and Isom, Richard and Abdullah, Abdul Shakur and Bornman, Daniel M. and Faith, Seth A. and Choi, Seon Young and Dickens, Michael L. and Cebula, Thomas A. and Rita R Colwell}, editor = {Ahmed, Niyaz} } @article {20362, title = {Molecular diversity and predictability of Vibrio parahaemolyticus along the Georgian coastal zone of the Black Sea}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {5}, year = {2014}, month = {Jan-01-2014}, abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a leading cause of seafood-related gastroenteritis and is also an autochthonous member of marine and estuarine environments worldwide. One-hundred seventy strains of V. parahaemolyticus were isolated from water and plankton samples collected along the Georgian coast of the Black Sea during 28 months of sample collection. All isolated strains were tested for presence of tlh, trh, and tdh. A subset of strains were serotyped and tested for additional factors and markers of pandemicity. Twenty-six serotypes, five of which are clinically relevant, were identified. Although all 170 isolates were negative for tdh, trh, and the Kanagawa Phenomenon, 7 possessed the GS-PCR sequence and 27 the 850 bp sequence of V. parahaemolyticus pandemic strains. The V. parahaemolyticus population in the Black Sea was estimated to be genomically heterogeneous by rep-PCR and the serodiversity observed did not correlate with rep-PCR genomic diversity. Statistical modeling was used to predict presence of V. parahaemolyticus as a function of water temperature, with strongest concordance observed for Green Cape site samples (Percent of total variance = 70, P < 0.001). Results demonstrate a diverse population of V. parahaemolyticus in the Black Sea, some of which carry pandemic markers, with increased water temperature correlated to an increase in abundance of V. parahaemolyticus.}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2014.00045}, url = {http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmicb.2014.00045}, author = {Haley, Bradd J. and Kokashvili, Tamar and Tskshvediani, Ana and Janelidze, Nino and Mitaishvili, Nino and Grim, Christopher J. and Constantin_de_Magny, Guillaume and Chen, Arlene J. and Taviani, Elisa and Eliashvili, Tamar and Tediashvili, Marina and Whitehouse, Chris A. and Rita R Colwell and Huq, Anwar} } @article {20334, title = {Occurrence in Mexico, 1998{\textendash}2008, of Vibrio cholerae CTX + El Tor carrying an additional truncated CTX prophage}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, volume = {111}, year = {2014}, month = {Aug-07-2014}, pages = {9917 - 9922}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1323408111}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/lookup/doi/10.1073/pnas.1323408111}, author = {Alam, Munirul and Rashed, Shah M and Mannan, Shahnewaj Bin and Islam, Tarequl and Lizarraga-Partida, Marcial L. and Delgado, Gabriela and Morales-Espinosa, Rosario and Mendez, Jose Luis and Navarro, Armando and Watanabe, Haruo and Ohnishi, Makoto and Hasan, Nur A. and Huq, Anwar and Sack, R. Bradley and Rita R Colwell and Cravioto, Alejandro} } @article {20357, title = {Phylodynamic Analysis of Clinical and Environmental Vibrio cholerae Isolates from Haiti Reveals Diversification Driven by Positive Selection}, journal = {mBio}, year = {2014}, month = {Jul-12-2016}, abstract = {Phylodynamic analysis of genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data is a powerful tool to investigate underlying evolutionary processes of bacterial epidemics. The method was applied to investigate a collection of 65 clinical and environmental isolates of Vibrio cholerae from Haiti collected between 2010 and 2012. Characterization of isolates recovered from environmental samples identified a total of four toxigenic V. cholerae O1 isolates, four non-O1/O139 isolates, and a novel nontoxigenic V. cholerae O1 isolate with the classical tcpA gene. Phylogenies of strains were inferred from genome-wide SNPs using coalescent-based demographic models within a Bayesian framework. A close phylogenetic relationship between clinical and environmental toxigenic V. cholerae O1 strains was observed. As cholera spread throughout Haiti between October 2010 and August 2012, the population size initially increased and then fluctuated over time. Selection analysis along internal branches of the phylogeny showed a steady accumulation of synonymous substitutions and a progressive increase of nonsynonymous substitutions over time, suggesting diversification likely was driven by positive selection. Short-term accumulation of nonsynonymous substitutions driven by selection may have significant implications for virulence, transmission dynamics, and even vaccine efficacy.}, doi = {10.1128/mBio.01824-14}, url = {http://mbio.asm.org/lookup/doi/10.1128/mBio.01824-14}, author = {Azarian, Taj and Ali, Afsar and Johnson, Judith A. and Mohr, David and Prosperi, Mattia and Veras, Nazle M. and Jubair, Mohammed and Strickland, Samantha L. and Rashid, Mohammad H. and Alam, Meer T. and Weppelmann, Thomas A. and Katz, Lee S. and Tarr, Cheryl L. and Rita R Colwell and Morris, J. Glenn and Salemi, Marco} } @article {20360, title = {Validation of high throughput sequencing and microbial forensics applications}, journal = {Investigative Genetics}, volume = {5}, year = {2014}, month = {Jan-01-2014}, pages = {9}, abstract = {High throughput sequencing (HTS) generates large amounts of high quality sequence data for microbial genomics. The value of HTS for microbial forensics is the speed at which evidence can be collected and the power to characterize microbial-related evidence to solve biocrimes and bioterrorist events. As HTS technologies continue to improve, they provide increasingly powerful sets of tools to support the entire field of microbial forensics. Accurate, credible results allow analysis and interpretation, significantly influencing the course and/or focus of an investigation, and can impact the response of the government to an attack having individual, political, economic or military consequences. Interpretation of the results of microbial forensic analyses relies on understanding the performance and limitations of HTS methods, including analytical processes, assays and data interpretation. The utility of HTS must be defined carefully within established operating conditions and tolerances. Validation is essential in the development and implementation of microbial forensics methods used for formulating investigative leads attribution. HTS strategies vary, requiring guiding principles for HTS system validation. Three initial aspects of HTS, irrespective of chemistry, instrumentation or software are: 1) sample preparation, 2) sequencing, and 3) data analysis. Criteria that should be considered for HTS validation for microbial forensics are presented here. Validation should be defined in terms of specific application and the criteria described here comprise a foundation for investigators to establish, validate and implement HTS as a tool in microbial forensics, enhancing public safety and national security.}, issn = {2041-2223}, doi = {10.1186/2041-2223-5-9}, url = {http://investigativegenetics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2041-2223-5-9}, author = {Budowle, Bruce and Connell, Nancy D and Bielecka-Oder, Anna and Rita R Colwell and Corbett, Cindi R and Fletcher, Jacqueline and Forsman, Mats and Kadavy, Dana R and Markotic, Alemka and Morse, Stephen A and Murch, Randall S and Sajantila, Antti and Schmedes, Sarah E and Ternus, Krista L and Turner, Stephen D and Minot, Samuel} } @article {20366, title = {Viewing Marine Bacteria, Their Activity and Response to Environmental Drivers from Orbit}, journal = {Microbial Ecology}, year = {2014}, month = {Jan-04-2014}, pages = {489 - 500}, abstract = {Satellite-based remote sensing of marine microorganisms has become a useful tool in predicting human health risks associated with these microscopic targets. Early applications were focused on harmful algal blooms, but more recently methods have been developed to interrogate the ocean for bacteria. As satellite-based sensors have become more sophisticated and our ability to interpret information derived from these sensors has advanced, we have progressed from merely making fascinating pictures from space to developing process models with predictive capability. Our understanding of the role of marine microorganisms in primary production and global elemental cycles has been vastly improved as has our ability to use the combination of remote sensing data and models to provide early warning systems for disease outbreaks. This manuscript will discuss current approaches to monitoring cyanobacteria and vibrios, their activity and response to environmental drivers, and will also suggest future directions.}, issn = {0095-3628}, doi = {10.1007/s00248-013-0363-4}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00248-013-0363-4}, author = {Grimes, D. Jay and Ford, Tim E. and Rita R Colwell and Baker-Austin, Craig and Martinez-Urtaza, Jaime and Subramaniam, Ajit and Capone, Douglas G.} } @book {20379, title = {Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology One Health: The Human-Animal-Environment Interfaces in Emerging Infectious Diseases The Human Environment Interface: Applying Ecosystem Concepts to Health}, volume = {365}, year = {2013}, pages = {83 - 100}, publisher = {Springer Berlin Heidelberg}, organization = {Springer Berlin Heidelberg}, address = {Berlin, Heidelberg}, isbn = {978-3-642-36888-2}, issn = {0070-217X}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-36889-9}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-642-36889-9}, author = {Preston, Nicholas D. and Daszak, Peter and Rita R Colwell}, editor = {Mackenzie, John S. and Jeggo, Martyn and Daszak, Peter and Richt, Juergen A.} } @article {20378, title = {Detection of Vibrio cholerae in environmental waters including drinking water reservoirs of Azerbaijan}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology Reports}, year = {2013}, month = {Jan-02-2013}, pages = {30 - 38}, doi = {10.1111/j.1758-2229.2012.00369.x }, url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1758-2229.2012.00369.x}, author = {Rashid, Ahmadov and Haley, Bradd J. and Rajabov, Mukhtar and Ahmadova, Sevinj and Gurbanov, Shair and Rita R Colwell and Huq, Anwar} } @article {20370, title = {Distribution of Virulence Genes in Clinical and Environmental Vibrio cholerae Strains in Bangladesh}, journal = {Applied and Environmental Microbiology}, year = {2013}, month = {Mar-09-2014}, pages = {5782 - 5785}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae, an environmental organism, is a facultative human pathogen. Here, we report the virulence profiles, comprising 18 genetic markers, of 102 clinical and 692 environmental V. cholerae strains isolated in Bangladesh between March 2004 and January 2006, showing the variability of virulence determinants within the context of public health. }, issn = {0099-2240}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.01113-13}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/lookup/doi/10.1128/AEM.01113-13}, author = {Hasan, Nur A. and Ceccarelli, Daniela and Grim, Christopher J. and Taviani, Elisa and Choi, Jinna and Sadique, Abdus and Alam, Munirul and Siddique, Abul K. and Sack, R. Bradley and Huq, Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20367, title = {Drug response and genetic properties of Vibrio cholerae associated with endemic cholera in north-eastern Thailand, 2003-2011}, journal = {Journal of Medical Microbiology}, year = {2013}, month = {Jan-04-2013}, pages = {599 - 609}, abstract = {Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, results in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, including Thailand. Representative V. cholerae strains associated with endemic cholera (n = 32), including strains (n = 3) from surface water sources, in Khon Kaen, Thailand (2003{\textendash}2011), were subjected to microbiological, molecular and phylogenetic analyses. According to phenotypic and related genetic data, all tested V. cholerae strains belonged to serogroup O1, biotype El Tor (ET), Inaba (IN) or Ogawa (OG). All of the strains were sensitive to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin, while multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains showing resistance to erythromycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and ampicillin were predominant in 2007. V. cholerae strains isolated before and after 2007 were non-MDR. All except six diarrhoeal strains possessed ctxA and ctxB genes and were toxigenic altered ET, confirmed by MAMA-PCR and DNA sequencing. Year-wise data revealed that V. cholerae INET strains isolated between 2003 and 2004, plus one strain isolated in 2007, lacked the RS1 sequence (rstC) and toxin-linked cryptic plasmid (TLC)-specific genetic marker, but possessed CTXCL prophage genes ctxB CL and rstR CL. A sharp genetic transition was noted, namely the majority of V. cholerae strains in 2007 and all in 2010 and 2011 were not repressor genotype rstR CL but instead were rstR ET, and all ctx + strains possessed RS1 and TLC-specific genetic markers. DNA sequencing data revealed that strains isolated since 2007 had a mutation in the tcpA gene at amino acid position 64 (N{\textrightarrow}S). Four clonal types, mostly of environmental origin, including subtypes, reflected genetic diversity, while distinct signatures were observed for clonally related, altered ET from Thailand, Vietnam and Bangladesh, confirmed by distinct subclustering patterns observed in the PFGE (NotI)-based dendrogram, suggesting that endemic cholera is caused by V. cholerae indigenous to Khon Kaen.}, issn = {0022-2615}, doi = {10.1099/jmm.0.053801-0}, url = {http://jmm.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/jmm.0.053801-0}, author = {Chomvarin, C. and Johura, F.-T. and Mannan, S. B. and Jumroenjit, W. and Kanoktippornchai, B. and Tangkanakul, W. and Tantisuwichwong, N. and Huttayananont, S. and Watanabe, H. and Hasan, N. A. and Huq, A. and Cravioto, A. and Rita R Colwell and Alam, M.} } @article {20363, title = {Engaging Actively with Issues in the Responsible Conduct of Science: Lessons from International Efforts Are Relevant for Undergraduate Education in the United States}, journal = {CBE{\textemdash}Life Sciences Education}, year = {2013}, month = {Jan-12-2013}, pages = {596 - 603}, abstract = {Numerous studies are demonstrating that engaging undergraduate students in original research can improve their achievement in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and increase the likelihood that some of them will decide to pursue careers in these disciplines. Associated with this increased prominence of research in the undergraduate curriculum are greater expectations from funders, colleges, and universities that faculty mentors will help those students, along with their graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, develop an understanding and sense of personal and collective obligation for responsible conduct of science (RCS). This Feature describes an ongoing National Research Council (NRC) project and a recent report about educating faculty members in culturally diverse settings (Middle East/North Africa and Asia) to employ active-learning strategies to engage their students and colleagues deeply in issues related to RCS. The NRC report describes the first phase of this project, which took place in Aqaba and Amman, Jordan, in September 2012 and April 2013, respectively. Here we highlight the findings from that report and our subsequent experience with a similar interactive institute in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our work provides insights and perspectives for faculty members in the United States as they engage undergraduate and graduate students, as well as postdoctoral fellows, to help them better understand the intricacies of and connections among various components of RCS. Further, our experiences can provide insights for those who may wish to establish {\textquotedblleft}train-the-trainer{\textquotedblright} programs at their home institutions.}, doi = {10.1187/cbe.13-09-0184}, url = {https://www.lifescied.org/doi/10.1187/cbe.13-09-0184}, author = {Clements, John D. and Connell, Nancy D. and Dirks, Clarissa and El-Faham, Mohamed and Hay, Alastair and Heitman, Elizabeth and Stith, James H. and Bond, Enriqueta C. and Rita R Colwell and Anestidou, Lida and Husbands, Jo L. and Labov, Jay B.} } @article {20372, title = {Environmental Factors Influencing Epidemic Cholera}, journal = {The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene}, volume = {89}, year = {2013}, month = {Apr-09-2013}, pages = {597 - 607}, abstract = {Cholera outbreak following the earthquake of 2010 in Haiti has reaffirmed that the disease is a major public health threat. Vibrio cholerae is autochthonous to aquatic environment, hence, it cannot be eradicated but hydroclimatology-based prediction and prevention is an achievable goal. Using data from the 1800s, we describe uniqueness in seasonality and mechanism of occurrence of cholera in the epidemic regions of Asia and Latin America. Epidemic regions are located near regional rivers and are characterized by sporadic outbreaks, which are likely to be initiated during episodes of prevailing warm air temperature with low river flows, creating favorable environmental conditions for growth of cholera bacteria. Heavy rainfall, through inundation or breakdown of sanitary infrastructure, accelerates interaction between contaminated water and human activities, resulting in an epidemic. This causal mechanism is markedly different from endemic cholera where tidal intrusion of seawater carrying bacteria from estuary to inland regions, results in outbreaks.}, issn = {0002-9637}, doi = {10.4269/ajtmh.12-0721}, url = {http://www.ajtmh.org/content/journals/10.4269/ajtmh.12-0721}, author = {Huq, Anwar and Hasan, Nur and Akanda, Ali and Whitcombe, Elizabeth and Rita R Colwell and Haley, Bradd and Alam, Munir and Jutla, Antarpreet and Sack, R. Bradley} } @article {20380, title = {Fostering advances in interdisciplinary climate science}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, year = {2013}, month = {Feb-02-2015}, pages = {3653 - 3656}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1301104110}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1301104110}, author = {Shaman, J. and Solomon, S. and Rita R Colwell and Field, C. B.} } @article {20364, title = {Identification of bacteria in enrichment cultures of sulfate reducers in the Cariaco Basin water column employing Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis of 16S ribosomal RNA gene fragments}, journal = {Aquatic Biosystems}, volume = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {Jan-01-2013}, pages = {17}, abstract = {Background The Cariaco Basin is characterized by pronounced and predictable vertical layering of microbial communities dominated by reduced sulfur species at and below the redox transition zone. Marine water samples were collected in May, 2005 and 2006, at the sampling stations A (10{\textdegree}30' N, 64{\textdegree}40' W), B (10{\textdegree}40' N, 64{\textdegree}45' W) and D (10{\textdegree}43{\textquoteright}N, 64{\textdegree}32{\textquoteright}W) from different depths, including surface, redox interface, and anoxic zones. In order to enrich for sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), water samples were inoculated into anaerobic media amended with lactate or acetate as carbon source. To analyze the composition of enrichment cultures, we performed DNA extraction, PCR-DGGE, and sequencing of selected bands. Results DGGE results indicate that many bacterial genera were present that are associated with the sulfur cycle, including Desulfovibrio spp., as well as heterotrophs belonging to Vibrio, Enterobacter, Shewanella, Fusobacterium, Marinifilum, Mariniliabilia, and Spirochaeta. These bacterial populations are related to sulfur coupling and carbon cycles in an environment of variable redox conditions and oxygen availability. Conclusions In our studies, we found an association of SRB-like Desulfovibrio with Vibrio species and other genera that have a previously defined relevant role in sulfur transformation and coupling of carbon and sulfur cycles in an environment where there are variable redox conditions and oxygen availability. This study provides new information about microbial species that were culturable on media for SRB at anaerobic conditions at several locations and water depths in the Cariaco Basin.}, issn = {2046-9063}, doi = {10.1186/2046-9063-9-17}, url = {http://aquaticbiosystems.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2046-9063-9-17}, author = {Bozo-Hurtado, Lorelei and Garc{\'\i}a-Amado, M and Chistoserdov, Andrei and Varela, Ramon and Narvaez, J and Rita R Colwell and Su{\'a}rez, Paula} } @article {20371, title = {A new integrative conjugative element detected in Haitian isolates of Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139}, journal = {Research in Microbiology}, volume = {164}, year = {2013}, month = {Jan-11-2013}, pages = {891 - 893}, abstract = {The presence of SXT/R391-related integrating conjugative elements (ICEs) in Vibrio cholerae O1 and non-O1/non-O139 isolated from clinical and environmental samples in Haiti in 2010 was studied. The main finding of this work was the identification of the novel ICEVchHai2 among closely related V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 clinical strains. The mosaic structure of this element confirms the role of ICEs as efficient recombination systems whereby new genetic material can be acquired and exchanged, according V. cholerae strains new accessory functions. }, issn = {09232508}, doi = {10.1016/j.resmic.2013.08.004}, url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S092325081300154X}, author = {Ceccarelli, Daniela and Spagnoletti, Matteo and Hasan, Nur A. and Lansing, Stephanie and Huq, Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20368, title = {Ocean Warming and Spread of Pathogenic Vibrios in the Aquatic Environment}, journal = {Microbial Ecology}, year = {2013}, month = {Jan-05-2013}, pages = {817 - 825}, abstract = {Vibrios are among the most common bacteria that inhabit surface waters throughout the world and are responsible for a number of severe infections both in humans and animals. Several reports recently showed that human Vibrio illnesses are increasing worldwide including fatal acute diarrheal diseases, such as cholera, gastroenteritis, wound infections, and septicemia. Many scientists believe this increase may be associated with global warming and rise in sea surface temperature (SST), although not enough evidence is available to support a causal link between emergence of Vibrio infections and climate warming. The effect of increased SST in promoting spread of vibrios in coastal and brackish waters is considered a causal factor explaining this trend. Field and laboratory studies carried out over the past 40 years supported this hypothesis, clearly showing temperature promotes Vibrio growth and persistence in the aquatic environment. Most recently, a long-term retrospective microbiological study carried out in the coastal waters of the southern North Sea provided the first experimental evidence for a positive and significant relationship between SST and Vibrio occurrence over a multidecadal time scale. As a future challenge, macroecological studies of the effects of ocean warming on Vibrio persistence and spread in the aquatic environment over large spatial and temporal scales would conclusively support evidence acquired to date combined with studies of the impact of global warming on epidemiologically relevant variables, such as host susceptibility and exposure. Assessing a causal link between ongoing climate change and enhanced growth and spread of vibrios and related illness is expected to improve forecast and mitigate future outbreaks associated with these pathogens.}, issn = {0095-3628}, doi = {10.1007/s00248-012-0163-2}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00248-012-0163-2}, author = {Vezzulli, Luigi and Rita R Colwell and Pruzzo, Carla} } @article {20369, title = {Quantification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae in French Mediterranean coastal lagoons}, journal = {Research in Microbiology}, volume = {164}, year = {2013}, month = {Jan-10-2013}, pages = {867 - 874}, abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio cholerae are human pathogens. Little is known about these Vibrio spp. in the coastal lagoons of France. The purpose of this study was to investigate their incidence in water, shellfish and sediment of three French Mediterranean coastal lagoons using the most probable number-polymerase chain reaction (MPN-PCR). In summer, the total number of V. parahaemolyticus in water, sediment, mussels and clams collected from the three lagoons varied from 1 to >1.1 {\texttimes} 103 MPN/l, 0.09 to 1.1 {\texttimes} 103 MPN/ml, 9 to 210 MPN/g and 1.5 to 2.1 MPN/g, respectively. In winter, all samples except mussels contained V. parahaemolyticus, but at very low concentrations. Pathogenic (tdh- or trh2-positive) V. parahaemolyticus were present in water, sediment and shellfish samples collected from these lagoons. The number of V. vulnificus in water, sediment and shellfish samples ranged from 1 to 1.1 {\texttimes} 103 MPN/l, 0.07 to 110 MPN/ml and 0.04 to 15 MPN/g, respectively, during summer. V. vulnificus was not detected during winter. V. cholerae was rarely detected in water and sediment during summer. In summary, results of this study highlight the finding that the three human pathogenic Vibrio spp. are present in the lagoons and constitute a potential public health hazard.}, issn = {09232508}, doi = {10.1016/j.resmic.2013.06.005}, url = {https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S092325081300106X}, author = {Cantet, Franck and Hervio-Heath, Dominique and Caro, Audrey and Le Mennec, C{\'e}cile and Monteil, Caroline and Qu{\'e}m{\'e}r{\'e}, Catherine and Jolivet-Gougeon, Anne and Rita R Colwell and Monfort, Patrick} } @article {20373, title = {Species composition of limnetic zooplankton from the southern coastal areas (Mathbaria and Bakerganj) in Bangladesh}, journal = {Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Science}, volume = {38}, year = {2013}, month = {Apr-06-2014}, abstract = {We studied the coastal zooplankton community structure of six waterbodies of Mathbaria and Bakerganj from January 2008 to June 2009. In total 35 zooplankton species were identified under 26 genera under 20 families under 8 orders from Mathbaria. Among them 6 were protozoans, 24 were rotifers, 3 were copepods, 1 was cladocerans and 1 was ostracods. From Bakergonj a total of 42 zooplankton species were identified under 23 genera under 17 Families under 7 orders. Among them 3 were protozoans, 25 were rotifers, 7 were copepods, 6 were cladocerans and 1 was ostracods. Results showed that abundance of rotifera group from both area was higher in Mathbaria (64.86\%) and Bakerganj (60.98\%) than other groups while abundance of ostracoda of Bakerganj area was lowest.}, issn = {1016-6947}, doi = {10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15326}, url = {http://banglajol.info/index.php/JASBS/article/view/15326}, author = {Mozumder, Pronob K and Nahar, Samsun and Naser, M Niamul and Alam, Munirul and Huq, Anwar and Sack, R Bradley and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20377, title = {A water marker monitored by satellites to predict seasonal endemic cholera}, journal = {Remote Sensing Letters}, volume = {4472741982394456}, year = {2013}, month = {Jan-08-2013}, pages = {822 - 831}, abstract = {The ability to predict an occurrence of cholera, a water-related disease, offers a significant public health advantage. Satellite-based estimates of chlorophyll, a surrogate for plankton abundance, have been linked to cholera incidence. However, cholera bacteria can survive under a variety of coastal ecological conditions, thus constraining the predictive ability of the chlorophyll, since it provides only an estimate of greenness of seawater. Here, a new remote-sensing-based index is proposed: Satellite Water Marker (SWM), which estimates the condition of coastal water, based on observed variability in the difference between blue (412 nm) and green (555 nm) wavelengths that can be related to seasonal cholera incidence. The index is bounded between physically separable wavelengths for relatively clear (blue) and turbid (green) water. Using SWM, prediction of cholera with reasonable accuracy, at least two months in advance, can potentially be achieved in the endemic coastal regions. }, issn = {2150-704X}, doi = {10.1080/2150704X.2013.802097}, url = {http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/2150704X.2013.802097}, author = {Jutla, Antarpreet and Akanda, Ali Shafqat and Huq, Anwar and Faruque, Abu Syed Golam and Rita R Colwell and Islam, Shafiqul} } @article {20375, title = {An additional step in the transmission of Yersinia pestis?}, journal = {The ISME Journal}, year = {2012}, month = {Jan-02-2012}, pages = {231 - 236}, abstract = {Plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is a mammalian vector-borne disease, transmitted by fleas that serve as the vector between rodent hosts. For many pathogens, including Y. pestis, there are strong evolutionary pressures that lead to a reduction in {\textquoteleft}useless genes{\textquoteright}, with only those retained that reflect function in the specific environment inhabited by the pathogen. Genetic traits critical for survival and transmission between two environments, the rodent and the flea, are conserved in epizootic/epidemic plague strains. However, there are genes that remain conserved for which no function in the flea{\textendash}rodent cycle has yet been observed, indicating an additional environment may exist in the transmission cycle of plague. Here, we present evidence for highly conserved genes that suggests a role in the persistence of Y. pestis after death of its host. Furthermore, maintenance of these genes points to Y. pestis traversing a post-mortem path between, and possibly within, epizootic periods and offering insight into mechanisms that may allow Y. pestis an alternative route of transmission in the natural environment.}, issn = {1751-7362}, doi = {10.1038/ismej.2011.105}, url = {http://www.nature.com/articles/ismej2011105}, author = {Easterday, W Ryan and Kausrud, Kyrre L and Star, Bastiaan and Heier, Lise and Haley, Bradd J and Ageyev, Vladimir and Rita R Colwell and Stenseth, Nils Chr} } @article {12853, title = {Conversion of viable but nonculturable enteric bacteria to culturable by co-culture with eukaryotic cells}, journal = {Microbiology and Immunology}, volume = {56}, year = {2012}, month = {2012/04/27/}, pages = {342 - 345}, abstract = {Viable but nonculturable (VBNC) Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139, V. parahaemolyticus, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, enterotoxigenic E. coli, enteropathogenic E. coli, Shigella flexneri, and Salmonella enterica were converted to the culturable state by co-culture with selected eukaryotic cells, e.g., HT-29, Caco-2, T84, HeLa, Intestine 407, and CHO cells.}, keywords = {conversion to culturability, enteric bacteria, viable but nonculturable}, isbn = {1348-0421}, doi = {10.1111/j.1348-0421.2012.00440.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1348-0421.2012.00440.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Senoh,Mitsutoshi and Ghosh-Banerjee,Jayeeta and Ramamurthy,Thandavarayan and Rita R Colwell and Miyoshi,Shin-ichi and Nair,G. Balakrish and Takeda,Yoshifumi} } @article {20376, title = {Detection, Isolation, and Identification of Vibrio cholerae from the Environment}, journal = {Current Protocols in Microbiology}, volume = {26}, year = {2012}, month = {08/2012}, publisher = {John Wiley \& Sons, Inc.}, chapter = {Unit 6A.5}, address = {Hoboken, NJ, USA}, abstract = {Recent molecular advances in microbiology have greatly improved the detection of bacterial pathogens in the environment. These improvements and a downward trend in the cost of molecular detection methods have contributed to increased frequency of detection of pathogenic microorganisms where traditional culture-based detection methods have failed. Culture methods also have been greatly improved, and the confluence of the two suites of methods provides a powerful tool for detection, isolation, and characterization of pathogens. While molecular detection provides data on the presence and type of pathogens, culturing methods allow a researcher to preserve the organism of interest for {\textquotedblleft}-omics{\textquotedblright} studies, such as genomic, metabolomic, secretomic, and transcriptomic analysis, which are rapidly becoming more affordable. This has yielded a clearer understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of microorganisms that cause disease. In this unit, we present commonly accepted methods for isolation, detection, and characterization of V. cholerae, providing more extensive knowledge of the ecology and epidemiology of this organism. This unit has been fully revised and updated from the earlier version with the latest knowledge and additional information not previously included. Curr. Protoc. Microbiol. 26:6A.5.1-6A.5.51. {\textcopyright} 2012 by John Wiley \& Sons, Inc. }, doi = {10.1002/9780471729259.mc06a05s26}, url = {http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/9780471729259.mc06a05s26}, author = {Huq, Anwar and Haley, Bradd J. and Taviani, Elisa and Chen, Arlene and Hasan, Nur A. and Rita R Colwell}, editor = {Coico, Richard and Kowalik, Tim and Quarles, John and Stevenson, Brian and Taylor, Ron} } @article {20387, title = {Ecology of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in the Coastal and Estuarine Waters of Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, and Washington (United States)}, journal = {Applied and Environmental Microbiology}, year = {2012}, month = {Mar-10-2013}, pages = {7249 - 7257}, abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, which are native to estuaries globally, are agents of seafood-borne or wound infections, both potentially fatal. Like all vibrios autochthonous to coastal regions, their abundance varies with changes in environmental parameters. Sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface height (SSH), and chlorophyll have been shown to be predictors of zooplankton and thus factors linked to vibrio populations. The contribution of salinity, conductivity, turbidity, and dissolved organic carbon to the incidence and distribution of Vibrio spp. has also been reported. Here, a multicoastal, 21-month study was conducted to determine relationships between environmental parameters and V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus populations in water, oysters, and sediment in three coastal areas of the United States. Because ecologically unique sites were included in the study, it was possible to analyze individual parameters over wide ranges. Molecular methods were used to detect genes for thermolabile hemolysin (tlh), thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh), and tdh-related hemolysin (trh) as indicators of V. parahaemolyticus and the hemolysin gene vvhA for V. vulnificus. SST and suspended particulate matter were found to be strong predictors of total and potentially pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. Other predictors included chlorophyll a, salinity, and dissolved organic carbon. For the ecologically unique sites included in the study, SST was confirmed as an effective predictor of annual variation in vibrio abundance, with other parameters explaining a portion of the variation not attributable to SST.}, issn = {0099-2240}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.01296-12}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/lookup/doi/10.1128/AEM.01296-12}, author = {Johnson, Crystal N. and Bowers, John C. and Griffitt, Kimberly J. and Molina, Vanessa and Clostio, Rachel W. and Pei, Shaofeng and Laws, Edward and Paranjpye, Rohinee N. and Strom, Mark S. and Chen, Arlene and Hasan, Nur A. and Huq, Anwar and Noriea, Nicholas F. and Grimes, D. Jay and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20374, title = {Genetic characteristics of drug-resistant Vibrio cholerae O1 causing endemic cholera in Dhaka, 2006-2011}, journal = {Journal of Medical Microbiology}, year = {2012}, month = {Jan-12-2012}, pages = {1736 - 1745}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae O1 biotype El Tor (ET), causing the seventh cholera pandemic, was recently replaced in Bangladesh by an altered ET possessing ctxB of the Classical (CL) biotype, which caused the first six cholera pandemics. In the present study, V. cholerae O1 strains associated with endemic cholera in Dhaka between 2006 and 2011 were analysed for major phenotypic and genetic characteristics. Of 54 representative V. cholerae isolates tested, all were phenotypically ET and showed uniform resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT) and furazolidone (FR). Resistance to tetracycline (TE) and erythromycin (E) showed temporal fluctuation, varying from year to year, while all isolates were susceptible to gentamicin (CN) and ciprofloxacin (CIP). Year-wise data revealed erythromycin resistance to be 33.3 \% in 2006 and 11 \% in 2011, while tetracycline resistance accounted for 33, 78, 0, 100 and 27 \% in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively; interestingly, all isolates tested were sensitive to TE in 2011, as observed in 2008. All V. cholerae isolates tested possessed genetic elements such as SXT, ctxAB, tcpA ET, rstR ET and rtxC; none had IntlI (Integron I). Double mismatch amplification mutation assay (DMAMA)-PCR followed by DNA sequencing and analysis of the ctxB gene revealed a point mutation at position 58 (C{\textrightarrow}A), which has resulted in an amino acid substitution from histidine (H) to asparagine (N) at position 20 (genotype 7) since 2008. Although the multi-resistant strains having tetracycline resistance showed minor genetic divergence, V. choleraestrains were clonal, as determined by a PFGE (NotI)-based dendrogram. This study shows 2008{\textendash}2010 to be the time of transition from ctxB genotype 1 to genotype 7 in V. cholerae ET causing endemic cholera in Dhaka, Bangladesh.}, issn = {0022-2615}, doi = {10.1099/jmm.0.049635-0}, url = {http://jmm.microbiologyresearch.org/content/journal/jmm/10.1099/jmm.0.049635-0}, author = {Rashed, S. M. and Mannan, S. B. and Johura, F.-T. and Islam, M. T. and Sadique, A. and Watanabe, H. and Sack, R. B. and Huq, A. and Rita R Colwell and Cravioto, A. and Alam, M.} } @article {20384, title = {Genomic analysis of ICE Vch Ban8: An atypical genetic element in Vibrio cholerae}, journal = {FEBS Letters}, year = {2012}, month = {Apr-06-2012}, pages = {1617 - 1621}, abstract = {Genomic islands (GIs) and integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) are major players in bacterial evolution since they encode genes involved in adaptive functions of medical or environmental importance. Here we performed the genomic analysis of ICEVchBan8, an unusual ICE found in the genome of a clinical non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O37 isolate. ICEVchBan8 shares most of its genetic structure with SXT/R391 ICEs. However, this ICE codes for a different integration/excision module is located at a different insertion site, and part of its genetic cargo shows homology to other pathogenicity islands of V. cholerae.}, doi = {10.1016/j.febslet.2012.03.064}, url = {http://doi.wiley.com/10.1016/j.febslet.2012.03.064}, author = {Taviani, Elisa and Spagnoletti, Matteo and Ceccarelli, Daniela and Haley, Bradd J. and Hasan, Nur A. and Chen, Arlene and Colombo, Mauro M. and Huq, Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {20386, title = {Genomic diversity of 2010 Haitian cholera outbreak strains}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, year = {2012}, month = {05/2012}, pages = {E2010 - E2017}, issn = {0027-8424}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1207359109}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1207359109}, author = {Hasan, N. A. and Choi, S. Y. and Eppinger, M. and Clark, P. W. and Chen, A. and Alam, M. and Haley, B. J. and Taviani, E. and Hine, E. and Su, Q. and Tallon, L. J. and Prosper, J. B. and Furth, K. and Hoq, M. M. and Li, H. and Fraser-Liggett, C. M. and Cravioto, A. and Huq, A. and Ravel, J. and Cebula, T. A. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12854, title = {Vibrio Cholerae Classical Biotype Strains Reveal Distinct Signatures in Mexico}, journal = {Journal of Clinical Microbiology}, year = {2012}, month = {04/2012}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae O1 Classical (CL) biotype caused the 5th and 6th, and probably the earlier cholera pandemics, before the El Tor (ET) biotype initiated the 7th pandemic in Asia in the 1970{\textquoteright}s by completely displacing the CL biotype. Although the CL biotype was thought to be extinct in Asia, and it had never been reported from Latin America, V. cholerae CL and ET biotypes, including hybrid ET were found associated with endemic cholera in Mexico between 1991 and 1997. In this study, CL biotype strains isolated from endemic cholera in Mexico, between 1983 and 1997 were characterized in terms of major phenotypic and genetic traits, and compared with CL biotype strains isolated in Bangladesh between 1962 and 1989. According to sero- and bio-typing data, all V. cholerae strains tested had the major phenotypic and genotypic characteristics specific for the CL biotype. Antibiograms revealed the majority of the Bangladeshi strains to be resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, furazolidone, ampicillin, and gentamycin, while the Mexican strains were sensitive to all of these drugs, as well as to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and tetracycline. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of NotI-digested genomic DNA revealed characteristic banding patterns for all the CL biotype strains, although the Mexican strains differed with the Bangladeshi strains in 1-2 DNA bands. The difference may be subtle, but consistent, as confirmed by the sub-clustering patterns in the PFGE-based dendrogram, and can serve as regional signature, suggesting pre-1991 existence and evolution of the CL biotype strains in the Americas, independent from that of Asia.}, isbn = {0095-1137, 1098-660X}, doi = {10.1128/JCM.00189-12}, url = {http://jcm.asm.org/content/early/2012/04/12/JCM.00189-12}, author = {Alam,Munirul and Islam,M. Tarequl and Rashed,Shah Manzur and Johura,Fatema-Tuz and Bhuiyan,Nurul A. and Delgado,Gabriela and Morales,Rosario and Mendez,Jose Luis and Navarro,Armando and Watanabe,Haruo and Hasan,Nur-A. and Rita R Colwell and Cravioto,Alejandro} } @article {20382, title = {Vibrio cholerae in a historically cholera-free country}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology Reports}, year = {2012}, month = {Jan-08-2012}, pages = {381 - 389}, abstract = {We report the autochthonous existence of Vibrio cholerae in coastal waters of Iceland, a geothermally active country where cholera is absent and has never been reported. Seawater, mussel and macroalgae samples were collected close to, and distant from, sites where geothermal activity causes a significant increase in water temperature during low tides. Vibrio cholerae was detected only at geothermal-influenced sites during low-tides. None of the V. cholerae isolates encoded cholera toxin (ctxAB) and all were non-O1/non-O139 serogroups. However, all isolates encoded other virulence factors that are associated with cholera as well as extra-intestinal V. cholerae infections. The virulence factors were functional at temperatures of coastal waters of Iceland, suggesting an ecological role. It is noteworthy that V. cholerae was isolated from samples collected at sites distant from anthropogenic influence, supporting the conclusion that V. cholerae is autochthonous to the aquatic environment of Iceland.}, doi = {10.1111/j.1758-2229.2012.00332.x}, url = {http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/j.1758-2229.2012.00332.x}, author = {Haley, Bradd J. and Chen, Arlene and Grim, Christopher J. and Clark, Philip and Diaz, Celia M and Taviani, Elisa and Hasan, Nur A. and Sancomb, Elizabeth and Elnemr, Wessam M and Islam, Muhammad A. and Huq, Anwar and Rita R Colwell and Benediktsd{\'o}ttir, Eva} } @article {20381, title = {Long-term effects of ocean warming on the prokaryotic community: evidence from the vibrios}, journal = {The ISME Journal}, volume = {6111114882511}, year = {2012}, month = {Jan-01-2012}, pages = {21 - 30}, abstract = {The long-term effects of ocean warming on prokaryotic communities are unknown because of lack of historical data. We overcame this gap by applying a retrospective molecular analysis to the bacterial community on formalin-fixed samples from the historical Continuous Plankton Recorder archive, which is one of the longest and most geographically extensive collections of marine biological samples in the world. We showed that during the last half century, ubiquitous marine bacteria of the Vibrio genus, including Vibrio cholerae, increased in dominance within the plankton-associated bacterial community of the North Sea, where an unprecedented increase in bathing infections related to these bacteria was recently reported. Among environmental variables, increased sea surface temperature explained 45\% of the variance in Vibrio data, supporting the view that ocean warming is favouring the spread of vibrios and may be the cause of the globally increasing trend in their associated diseases.}, issn = {1751-7362}, doi = {10.1038/ismej.2011.89}, url = {http://www.nature.com/articles/ismej201189}, author = {Vezzulli, Luigi and Brettar, Ingrid and Pezzati, Elisabetta and Reid, Philip C and Rita R Colwell and H{\"o}fle, Manfred G and Pruzzo, Carla} } @article {12857, title = {Occurrence of protozoans \& their limnological relationships in some ponds of Mathbaria, Bangladesh}, journal = {University Journal of Zoology, Rajshahi University}, volume = {29}, year = {2012}, month = {2012///}, pages = {69 - 71}, isbn = {1023-6104}, url = {http://journals.sfu.ca/bd/index.php/UJZRU}, author = {Mozumder,P. K. and Banu,M. A. and Naser,M. N. and Ali,M. S. and Alam,M. and Sack,R. B. and Rita R Colwell and Huq,A.} } @article {20385, title = {Role of GbpA protein, an important virulence-related colonization factor, for Vibrio cholerae{\textquoteright}s survival in the aquatic environment}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology Reports}, year = {2012}, month = {Jan-08-2012}, pages = {439 - 445}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae N-acetyl glucosamine-binding protein A (GbpA) is a chitin binding protein and a virulence factor involved in the colonization of human intestine. We investigated the distribution and genetic variations of gbpA in 488 V. cholerae strains of environmental and clinical origin, belonging to different serogroups and biotypes. We found that the gene is consistently present and highly conserved including an environmental V. cholerae-related strain of ancestral origin. The gene was also consistently expressed in a number of representative V. cholerae strains cultured in laboratory aquatic microcosms under conditions simulating those found in temperate marine environments. Functional analysis carried out on V. cholerae O1 El Tor N16961 showed that GbpA is not involved in adhesion to inorganic surfaces but promotes interaction with environmental biotic substrates (plankton and bivalve hepatopancreas cells) representing known marine reservoir or host for the bacterium. It is suggested that the ability of GbpA to colonize human intestinal cells most probably originated from its primary function in the aquatic environment.}, doi = {10.1111/j.1758-2229.2012.00356.x}, url = {http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/j.1758-2229.2012.00356.x}, author = {Stauder, Monica and Huq, Anwar and Pezzati, Elisabetta and Grim, Christopher J. and Ramoino, Paola and Pane, Luigi and Rita R Colwell and Pruzzo, Carla and Vezzulli, Luigi} } @article {12855, title = {Role of Shrimp Chitin in the Ecology of Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae and Cholera Transmission}, journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology}, volume = {2:260}, year = {2012}, month = {01/2012}, abstract = {Seasonal plankton blooms correlate with occurrence of cholera in Bangladesh, although the mechanism of how dormant Vibrio cholerae, enduring interepidemic period in biofilms and plankton, initiates seasonal cholera is not fully understood. In this study, laboratory microcosms prepared with estuarine Mathbaria water (MW) samples supported active growth of toxigenic V. cholerae O1 up to 7 weeks as opposed to 6 months when microcosms were supplemented with dehydrated shrimp chitin chips (CC) as the single source of nutrient. Bacterial counting and detection of wbe and ctxA genes were done employing culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) assay, and multiplex-polymerase chain reaction methods. In MW microcosm, the aqueous phase became clear as the non-culturable cells settled, whereas the aqueous phase of the MW{\textendash}CC microcosm became turbid from bacterial growth stimulated by chitin. Bacterial chitin degradation and biofilm formation proceeded from an initial steady state to a gradually declining bacterial culturable count. V. cholerae within the microenvironments of chitin and chitin-associated biofilms remained metabolically active even in a high acidic environment without losing either viability or virulence. It is concluded that the abundance of chitin that occurs during blooms plays an important role in the aquatic life cycle of V. cholerae and, ultimately, in the seasonal transmission of cholera.}, isbn = {1664-302X}, doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2011.00260}, author = {Nahar,Shamsun and Sultana,Marzia and Naser,M. Niamul and Nair,Gopinath B. and Watanabe,Haruo and Ohnishi,Makoto and Yamamoto,Shouji and Endtz,Hubert and Cravioto,Alejandro and Sack,R. Bradley and Hasan,Nur A. and Sadique,Abdus and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell and Alam,Munirul} } @article {12858, title = {Temporal and Spatial Variability in the Distribution of Vibrio vulnificus in the Chesapeake Bay: A Hindcast Study}, journal = {EcoHealth}, year = {2012}, month = {2012///}, pages = {1 - 12}, abstract = {Vibrio vulnificus, an estuarine bacterium, is the causative agent of seafood-related gastroenteritis, primary septicemia, and wound infections worldwide. It occurs as part of the normal microflora of coastal marine environments and can be isolated from water, sediment, and oysters. Hindcast prediction was undertaken to determine spatial and temporal variability in the likelihood of occurrence of V. vulnificus in surface waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Hindcast predictions were achieved by forcing a multivariate habitat suitability model with simulated sea surface temperature and salinity in the Bay for the period between 1991 and 2005 and the potential hotspots of occurrence of V. vulnificus in the Chesapeake Bay were identified. The likelihood of occurrence of V. vulnificus during high and low rainfall years was analyzed. From results of the study, it is concluded that hindcast prediction yields an improved understanding of environmental conditions associated with occurrence of V. vulnificus in the Chesapeake Bay.}, doi = {10.1007/s10393-011-0736-4}, author = {Banakar,V. and Constantin de Magny,G. and Jacobs,J. and Murtugudde,R. and Huq,A. and J. Wood,R. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12868, title = {Aquatic Realm and Cholera}, journal = {Epidemiological and Molecular Aspects on Cholera}, year = {2011}, month = {2011///}, pages = {311 - 339}, abstract = {Cholera is an ancient disease that can be severe and life threatening. It occurs predominantly in areas of the world where populations lack safe drinking water. Epidemics of cholera are linked with malnutrition, poor sanitation, and conditions resulting from natural disasters such as severe flooding. According to a report published by WHO in 2000 [1], cholera remains a major public health problem and is becoming increasingly important since the number of countries in which cholera is endemic continues to increase. Unfortunately, outbreaks of the disease continue into the twenty-first century with ominous portent in the wake of global climate change [1]. Yet cholera is a preventable disease if people have access to safe drinking water and are properly educated how to protect themselves from the risk of infection with vibrios. Cholera also is an easily treatable disease. Oral rehydration therapy, a solution containing glucose and appropriate salts, has proven to be effective for treatment of most cholera victims [2]. Nevertheless, each year, tens of thousands of people are victims of the disease, bringing this {\textquotedblleft}curse of humankind{\textquotedblright} to modern civilization. Present understanding of cholera is based on studies conducted over the past three decades and significant new information has been gained concerning environmental factors associated with this disease, especially how to detect the bacterium and where it lives in the natural environment, outside the human gut, and what triggers the annual outbreaks that occur with remarkable regularity. Environmental research on Vibrio cholerae and cholera has provided insights for prediction and prevention of the disease it causes, while the race for effective vaccines against cholera continues.}, doi = {10.1007/978-1-60327-265-0_18}, author = {Huq,A. and Grim,C. J. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12869, title = {Clonal transmission, dual peak, and off-season cholera in Bangladesh}, journal = {Infection Ecology \& Epidemiology}, volume = {1}, year = {2011}, month = {08/2011}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae is an estuarine bacterium associated with a single peak of cholera (March{\textendash}May) in coastal villages of Bangladesh. For an unknown reason, however, cholera occurs in a unique dual peak (March{\textendash}May and September{\textendash}November) pattern in the city of Dhaka that is bordered by a heavily polluted freshwater river system and flood embankment. In August 2007, extreme flooding was accompanied by an unusually severe diarrhea outbreak in Dhaka that resulted in a record high illness. This study was aimed to understand the unusual outbreak and if it was related to the circulation of a new V. cholerae clone. Nineteen V. cholerae isolated during the peak of the 2007 outbreak were subjected to extensive phenotypic and molecular analyses, including multi-locus genetic screening by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequence-typing of the ctxB gene, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Factors associated with the unusual incidence of cholera were determined and analysis of the disease severity was done. Overall, microbiological and molecular data confirmed that the hypervirulent V. cholerae was O1 biotype El Tor (ET) that possessed cholera toxin (CT) of the classical biotype. The PFGE (NotI) and dendrogram clustering confirmed that the strains were clonal and related to the pre-2007 variant ET from Dhaka and Matlab and resembled one of two distinct clones of the variant ET confirmed to be present in the estuarine ecosystem of Bangladesh. Results of the analyses of both diarrheal case data for three consecutive years (2006{\textendash}2008) and regional hydroclimatology over three decades (1980{\textendash}2009) clearly indicate that the pattern of cholera occurring in Dhaka, and not seen at other endemic sites, was associated with flood waters transmitting the infectious clone circulating via the fecal-oral route during and between the dual seasonal cholera peaks in Dhaka. Circular river systems and flood embankment likely facilitate transmission of infectious V. cholerae throughout the year that leads to both sudden and off-season outbreaks in the densely populated urban ecosystem of Dhaka. Clonal recycling of hybrid El Tor with increasing virulence in a changing climate and in a region with a growing urban population represents a serious public health concern for Bangladesh.}, doi = {10.3402/iee.v1i0.7273}, author = {Alam,M. and Islam,A. and Bhuiyan,N. A. and Rahim,N. and Hossain,A. and Khan,G. Y. and Ahmed,D. and Watanabe,H. and Izumiya,H. and Faruque,A. S. G. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12866, title = {The Importance of Chitin in the Marine Environment}, journal = {Marine Biotechnology}, year = {2011}, month = {2011///}, pages = {1 - 8}, abstract = {Chitin is the most abundant renewable polymer in the oceans and is an important source of carbon and nitrogen for marine organisms. The process of chitin degradation is a key step in the cycling of nutrients in the oceans and chitinolytic bacteria play a significant role in this process. These bacteria are autochthonous to both marine and freshwater ecosystems and produce chitinases that degrade chitin, an insoluble polysaccharide, to a biologically useful form. In this brief review, a description of the structure of chitin and diversity of chitinolytic bacteria in the oceans is provided, in the context of the significance of chitin degradation for marine life.}, doi = {10.1007/s10126-011-9388-1}, author = {Souza,C. P. and Almeida,B. C. and Rita R Colwell and Rivera,I. N. G.} } @article {12867, title = {Interaction of Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 with Copepods, Cladocerans and Competing Bacteria in the Large Alkaline Lake Neusiedler See, Austria}, journal = {Microbial ecology}, volume = {61}, year = {2011}, month = {2011///}, pages = {496 - 506}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae is a human pathogen and natural inhabitant of aquatic environments. Serogroups O1/O139 have been associated with epidemic cholera, while non-O1/non-O139 serogroups usually cause human disease other than classical cholera. V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 from the Neusiedler See, a large Central European lake, have caused ear and wound infections, including one case of fatal septicaemia. Recent investigations demonstrated rapid planktonic growth of V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 and correlation with zooplankton biomass. The aim of this study was to elucidate the interaction of autochthonous V. cholerae with two dominant crustacean zooplankton species in the lake and investigate the influence of the natural bacterial community on this interaction. An existing data set was evaluated for statistical relationships between zooplankton species and V. cholerae and co-culture experiments were performed in the laboratory. A new fluorescence in situ hybridisation protocol was applied for quantification of V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 cells, which significantly reduced analysis time. The experiments clearly demonstrated a significant relationship of autochthonous V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 with cladocerans by promoting growth of V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 in the water and on the surfaces of the cladocerans. In contrast, copepods had a negative effect on the growth of V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 via competing bacteria from their surfaces. Thus, beside other known factors, biofilm formation by V. cholerae on crustacean zooplankton appears to be zooplankton taxon specific and may be controlled by the natural bacterial community.}, doi = {10.1007/s00248-010-9764-9}, author = {Kirschner,A. K. T. and Schauer,S. and Steinberger,B. and Wilhartitz,I. and Grim,C. J. and Huq,A. and Rita R Colwell and Herzig,A. and Sommer,R.} } @article {12865, title = {Vibrio Cholerae O1 Detection in Estuarine and Coastal Zooplankton}, journal = {Journal of Plankton Research}, volume = {33}, year = {2011}, month = {01/2011}, pages = {51 - 62}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae is an autochthonous marine bacterium, and its association with diverse planktonic crustaceans has been extensively investigated; however, the presence of V. cholerae on individuals of most phyla of planktonic animals is still incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to analyze the distribution of V. cholerae serogroup O1 associated with specific zooplankton taxa in an estuary and the adjacent continental shelf of the southeastern Brazilian coast. The occurrence of the bacterium was assessed in zooplankton samples, specifically on the most abundant taxa, using direct fluorescence assay (DFA) and direct viable count{\textendash}direct fluorescence assay (DVC{\textendash}DFA) methods. Vibrio cholerae O1 was detected in 88\% of samples collected from the Santos-Bertioga estuary and in 67\% of samples from the shelf. The salinity of the estuarine water ranged from 21.8 to 34.6, significantly lower than the shelf water which was 32.1{\textendash}36.1. Salinity was the only environmental variable measured that displayed a significant correlation with the presence of V. cholerae (P< 0.05). Vibrio cholerae O1 was detected in chaetognaths, pluteus larvae of echinoderms and planktonic fish eggs (Engraulidae), all new sites for this bacterium.}, keywords = {DFA, estuary, plankton, Southwest Atlantic}, isbn = {0142-7873, 1464-3774}, doi = {10.1093/plankt/fbq093}, url = {http://plankt.oxfordjournals.org/content/33/1/51}, author = {Martinelli Filho,Jos{\'e} E. and Lopes,Rubens M. and Rivera,Irma N. G. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12864, title = {Long-term effects of ocean warming on the prokaryotic community: evidence from the vibrios}, journal = {The ISME Journal}, volume = {6}, year = {2011}, month = {2011/07/14/}, pages = {21 - 30}, abstract = {The long-term effects of ocean warming on prokaryotic communities are unknown because of lack of historical data. We overcame this gap by applying a retrospective molecular analysis to the bacterial community on formalin-fixed samples from the historical Continuous Plankton Recorder archive, which is one of the longest and most geographically extensive collections of marine biological samples in the world. We showed that during the last half century, ubiquitous marine bacteria of the Vibrio genus, including Vibrio cholerae, increased in dominance within the plankton-associated bacterial community of the North Sea, where an unprecedented increase in bathing infections related to these bacteria was recently reported. Among environmental variables, increased sea surface temperature explained 45\% of the variance in Vibrio data, supporting the view that ocean warming is favouring the spread of vibrios and may be the cause of the globally increasing trend in their associated diseases.}, keywords = {ecophysiology, ecosystems, environmental biotechnology, geomicrobiology, ISME J, microbe interactions, microbial communities, microbial ecology, microbial engineering, microbial epidemiology, microbial genomics, microorganisms}, isbn = {1751-7362}, doi = {10.1038/ismej.2011.89}, url = {http://www.nature.com/ismej/journal/v6/n1/full/ismej201189a.html?WT.ec_id=ISMEJ-201201}, author = {Vezzulli,Luigi and Brettar,Ingrid and Pezzati,Elisabetta and Reid,Philip C. and Rita R Colwell and H{\"o}fle,Manfred G. and Pruzzo,Carla} } @article {12859, title = {Metagenomic 16S rDNA Targeted PCR-DGGE in Determining Bacterial Diversity in Aquatic Ecosystem}, journal = {Bangladesh Journal of Microbiology}, volume = {27}, year = {2011}, month = {2011/12/13/}, abstract = {Bacterial numbers in surface water samples, collected randomly from six different water bodies, were estimated by acridine orange direct counting (AODC) and conventional culture-based heterotrophic plate counting (HPC). Bacterial genomic DNA was prepared from water samples by employing methods used for stool samples, including the population dynamics, were determined by primer extension of the 16S rDNA (V6/V8 region) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), a metagenomic tool that is capable of separating unrelated DNAs based on the differences in their sequences and GC contents. The bacterial numbers in water samples ranged from 103 {\textendash} 106 CFU/ mL for HPC and 104 {\textendash} 107 cells/ mL for AODC, showing that a great majority of bacteria prevail as uncultivable which do not respond to culture methods that are used widely for tracking bacterial pathogens. The acridine orange-stained bacteria varied in sizes and shapes, and appeared either as planktonic (solitary) cells or as clusters of biofilms, showing the presence of diverse community under the epifluorescence microscope. The DGGE of the ca. 457 bp amplicons, as confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis, produced bands that ranged in intensities and numbers from 18 to 31, with each band possibly indicating the presence of one or more closely related bacterial species. The enrichment of pathogenic bacteria in the aquatic ecosystem is known to precede the seasonal diarrhoeal outbreaks; therefore, bacterial community dynamics determined by Metagenomic 16S PCR-DGGE during pre-epidemic enrichment appears promising in predicting the upcoming diarrheal outbreaks.}, isbn = {1011-9981}, doi = {10.3329/bjm.v27i2.9171}, url = {http://www.banglajol.info/bd/index.php/BJM/article/view/9171}, author = {Hasan,Nur A. and Chowdhury,W Bari and Rahim,Niaz and Sultana,Marzia and Shabnam,S Antara and Mai,Volker and Ali,Afsar and Morris,Glen J and Sack,R. Bradley and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell and Endtz,Hubert Ph and Cravioto,Alejandro and Alam,Munirul} } @article {20383, title = {Occurrence of Vibrio cholerae in Municipal and Natural Waters and Incidence of Cholera in Azerbaijan}, journal = {EcoHealth}, year = {2011}, month = {Jan-12-2011}, pages = {468 - 477}, abstract = {Cholera, a waterborne disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, is an autochthonous member of the aquatic environment and predominantly reported from developing countries. Technical reports and proceedings were reviewed to determine the relationship between occurrence of V. cholerae in natural waters, including sources of municipal water, and cases of cholera in Azerbaijan. Water samples collected from different environmental sources from 1970 to 1998 were tested for V. cholerae and 0.73\% (864/117,893) were positive. The results showed that in April of each year, when the air temperature rose by approximately 5{\textdegree}C, V. cholerae could be isolated. With each increase in air temperature, 6{\textendash}8 weeks after, impact on cases of cholera was recorded. The incidence of cholera peaked when the air temperature reached >25{\textdegree}C during the month of September. It is concluded that a distinct seasonality in cholera incidence exists in Azerbaijan, with increased occurrence during warmer months.}, issn = {1612-9202}, doi = {10.1007/s10393-012-0756-8}, url = {http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10393-012-0756-8}, author = {Gurbanov, Shair and Akhmadov, Rashid and Shamkhalova, Gulnara and Akhmadova, Sevinj and Haley, Bradd J. and Rita R Colwell and Huq, Anwar} } @article {12861, title = {Role of Zooplankton Diversity in Vibrio Cholerae Population Dynamics and in the Incidence of Cholera in the Bangladesh Sundarbans}, journal = {Applied and Environmental Microbiology}, volume = {77}, year = {2011}, month = {09/2011}, pages = {6125 - 6132}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae, a bacterium autochthonous to the aquatic environment, is the causative agent of cholera, a severe watery, life-threatening diarrheal disease occurring predominantly in developing countries. V. cholerae, including both serogroups O1 and O139, is found in association with crustacean zooplankton, mainly copepods, and notably in ponds, rivers, and estuarine systems globally. The incidence of cholera and occurrence of pathogenic V. cholerae strains with zooplankton were studied in two areas of Bangladesh: Bakerganj and Mathbaria. Chitinous zooplankton communities of several bodies of water were analyzed in order to understand the interaction of the zooplankton population composition with the population dynamics of pathogenic V. cholerae and incidence of cholera. Two dominant zooplankton groups were found to be consistently associated with detection of V. cholerae and/or occurrence of cholera cases, namely, rotifers and cladocerans, in addition to copepods. Local differences indicate there are subtle ecological factors that can influence interactions between V. cholerae, its plankton hosts, and the incidence of cholera.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.01472-10}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/77/17/6125}, author = {De Magny,Guillaume Constantin and Mozumder,Pronob K. and Grim,Christopher J. and Hasan,Nur A. and Naser,M. Niamul and Alam,Munirul and Sack,R. Bradley and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12860, title = {Temperature regulation of virulence factors in the pathogen Vibrio coralliilyticus}, journal = {The ISME Journal}, volume = {6}, year = {2011}, month = {2011/12/08/}, pages = {835 - 846}, abstract = {Sea surface temperatures (SST) are rising because of global climate change. As a result, pathogenic Vibrio species that infect humans and marine organisms during warmer summer months are of growing concern. Coral reefs, in particular, are already experiencing unprecedented degradation worldwide due in part to infectious disease outbreaks and bleaching episodes that are exacerbated by increasing SST. For example, Vibrio coralliilyticus, a globally distributed bacterium associated with multiple coral diseases, infects corals at temperatures above 27 {\textdegree}C. The mechanisms underlying this temperature-dependent pathogenicity, however, are unknown. In this study, we identify potential virulence mechanisms using whole genome sequencing of V. coralliilyticus ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) BAA-450. Furthermore, we demonstrate direct temperature regulation of numerous virulence factors using proteomic analysis and bioassays. Virulence factors involved in motility, host degradation, secretion, antimicrobial resistance and transcriptional regulation are upregulated at the higher virulent temperature of 27 {\textdegree}C, concurrent with phenotypic changes in motility, antibiotic resistance, hemolysis, cytotoxicity and bioluminescence. These results provide evidence that temperature regulates multiple virulence mechanisms in V. coralliilyticus, independent of abundance. The ecological and biological significance of this temperature-dependent virulence response is reinforced by climate change models that predict tropical SST to consistently exceed 27 {\textdegree}C during the spring, summer and fall seasons. We propose V. coralliilyticus as a model Gram-negative bacterium to study temperature-dependent pathogenicity in Vibrio-related diseases.}, keywords = {ecophysiology, ecosystems, environmental biotechnology, geomicrobiology, ISME J, microbe interactions, microbial communities, microbial ecology, microbial engineering, microbial epidemiology, microbial genomics, microorganisms}, isbn = {1751-7362}, doi = {10.1038/ismej.2011.154}, url = {http://www.nature.com/ismej/journal/v6/n4/full/ismej2011154a.html}, author = {Kimes,Nikole E. and Grim,Christopher J. and Johnson,Wesley R. and Hasan,Nur A. and Tall,Ben D. and Kothary,Mahendra H. and Kiss,Hajnalka and Munk,A. Christine and Tapia,Roxanne and Green,Lance and Detter,Chris and Bruce,David C. and Brettin,Thomas S. and Rita R Colwell and Morris,Pamela J.} } @article {12862, title = {Warming Oceans, Phytoplankton, and River Discharge: Implications for Cholera Outbreaks}, journal = {The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene}, volume = {85}, year = {2011}, month = {08/2011}, pages = {303 - 308}, abstract = {Phytoplankton abundance is inversely related to sea surface temperature (SST). However, a positive relationship is observed between SST and phytoplankton abundance in coastal waters of Bay of Bengal. This has led to an assertion that in a warming climate, rise in SST may increase phytoplankton blooms and, therefore, cholera outbreaks. Here, we explain why a positive SST-phytoplankton relationship exists in the Bay of Bengal and the implications of such a relationship on cholera dynamics. We found clear evidence of two independent physical drivers for phytoplankton abundance. The first one is the widely accepted phytoplankton blooming produced by the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich deep ocean waters. The second, which explains the Bay of Bengal findings, is coastal phytoplankton blooming during high river discharges with terrestrial nutrients. Causal mechanisms should be understood when associating SST with phytoplankton and subsequent cholera outbreaks in regions where freshwater discharge are a predominant mechanism for phytoplankton production.}, isbn = {0002-9637,}, doi = {10.4269/ajtmh.2011.11-0181}, url = {http://www.ajtmh.org/content/85/2/303}, author = {Jutla,Antarpreet S. and Akanda,Ali S. and Griffiths,Jeffrey K. and Rita R Colwell and Islam,Shafiqul} } @article {12881, title = {Comparative genomic analysis reveals evidence of two novel Vibrio species closely related to V. cholerae}, journal = {BMC Microbiology}, volume = {10}, year = {2010}, month = {2010///}, abstract = {In recent years genome sequencing has been used to characterize new bacterial species, a method of analysis available as a result of improved methodology and reduced cost. Included in a constantly expanding list of Vibrio species are several that have been reclassified as novel members of the Vibrionaceae. The description of two putative new Vibrio species, Vibrio sp. RC341 and Vibrio sp. RC586 for which we propose the names V. metecus and V. parilis, respectively, previously characterized as non-toxigenic environmental variants of V. cholerae is presented in this study. Results Based on results of whole-genome average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI), rpoB similarity, MLSA, and phylogenetic analysis, the new species are concluded to be phylogenetically closely related to V. cholerae and V. mimicus. Vibrio sp. RC341 and Vibrio sp. RC586 demonstrate features characteristic of V. cholerae and V. mimicus, respectively, on differential and selective media, but their genomes show a 12 to 15\% divergence (88 to 85\% ANI and 92 to 91\% AAI) compared to the sequences of V. cholerae and V. mimicus genomes (ANI <95\% and AAI <96\% indicative of separate species). Vibrio sp. RC341 and Vibrio sp. RC586 share 2104 ORFs (59\%) and 2058 ORFs (56\%) with the published core genome of V. cholerae and 2956 (82\%) and 3048 ORFs (84\%) with V. mimicus MB-451, respectively. The novel species share 2926 ORFs with each other (81\% Vibrio sp. RC341 and 81\% Vibrio sp. RC586). Virulence-associated factors and genomic islands of V. cholerae and V. mimicus, including VSP-I and II, were found in these environmental Vibrio spp. Conclusions Results of this analysis demonstrate these two environmental vibrios, previously characterized as variant V. cholerae strains, are new species which have evolved from ancestral lineages of the V. cholerae and V. mimicus clade. The presence of conserved integration loci for genomic islands as well as evidence of horizontal gene transfer between these two new species, V. cholerae, and V. mimicus suggests genomic islands and virulence factors are transferred between these species.}, author = {Bradd,H. and Christopher,G. and Nur,H. and Seon-Young,C. and Jongsik,C. and Thomas,B. and David,B. and Jean,C. and Chris,D. J. and Cliff,H. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12870, title = {Comparative Genomics of Clinical and Environmental Vibrio Mimicus}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesPNAS}, volume = {107}, year = {2010}, month = {2010/12/07/}, pages = {21134 - 21139}, abstract = {Whether Vibrio mimicus is a variant of Vibrio cholerae or a separate species has been the subject of taxonomic controversy. A genomic analysis was undertaken to resolve the issue. The genomes of V. mimicus MB451, a clinical isolate, and VM223, an environmental isolate, comprise ca. 4,347,971 and 4,313,453 bp and encode 3,802 and 3,290 ORFs, respectively. As in other vibrios, chromosome I (C-I) predominantly contains genes necessary for growth and viability, whereas chromosome II (C-II) bears genes for adaptation to environmental change. C-I harbors many virulence genes, including some not previously reported in V. mimicus, such as mannose-sensitive hemagglutinin (MSHA), and enterotoxigenic hemolysin (HlyA); C-II encodes a variant of Vibrio pathogenicity island 2 (VPI-2), and Vibrio seventh pandemic island II (VSP-II) cluster of genes. Extensive genomic rearrangement in C-II indicates it is a hot spot for evolution and genesis of speciation for the genus Vibrio. The number of virulence regions discovered in this study (VSP-II, MSHA, HlyA, type IV pilin, PilE, and integron integrase, IntI4) with no notable difference in potential virulence genes between clinical and environmental strains suggests these genes also may play a role in the environment and that pathogenic strains may arise in the environment. Significant genome synteny with prototypic pre-seventh pandemic strains of V. cholerae was observed, and the results of phylogenetic analysis support the hypothesis that, in the course of evolution, V. mimicus and V. cholerae diverged from a common ancestor with a prototypic sixth pandemic genomic backbone.}, isbn = {0027-8424, 1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1013825107}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/content/107/49/21134}, author = {Hasan,Nur A. and Grim,Christopher J. and Haley,Bradd J. and Jongsik Chun and Alam,Munirul and Taviani,Elisa and Mozammel Hoq and Munk,A. Christine and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12873, title = {Conversion of viable but nonculturable Vibrio cholerae to the culturable state by co-culture with eukaryotic cells}, journal = {Microbiology and Immunology}, volume = {54}, year = {2010}, month = {2010/06/14/}, pages = {502 - 507}, abstract = {VBNC Vibrio cholerae O139 VC-280 obtained by incubation in 1\% solution of artificial sea water IO at 4{\textdegree}C for 74 days converted to the culturable state when co-cultured with CHO cells. Other eukaryotic cell lines, including HT-29, Caco-2, T84, HeLa, and Intestine 407, also supported conversion of VBNC cells to the culturable state. Conversion of VBNC V. cholerae O1 N16961 and V. cholerae O139 VC-280/pG13 to the culturable state, under the same conditions, was also confirmed. When VBNC V. cholerae O139 VC-280 was incubated in 1\% IO at 4{\textdegree}C for up to 91 days, the number of cells converted by co-culture with CHO cells declined with each additional day of incubation and after 91 days conversion was not observed.}, keywords = {conversion to culturability, co-culture, eukaryotic cell, viable but nonculturable (VBNC) Vibrio cholerae}, isbn = {1348-0421}, doi = {10.1111/j.1348-0421.2010.00245.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1348-0421.2010.00245.x/full}, author = {Senoh,Mitsutoshi and Ghosh-Banerjee,Jayeeta and Ramamurthy,Thandavarayan and Hamabata,Takashi and Kurakawa,Takashi and Takeda,Makoto and Rita R Colwell and Nair,G. Balakrish and Takeda,Yoshifumi} } @article {12874, title = {Discovery of novel Vibrio cholerae VSP-II genomic islands using comparative genomic analysis}, journal = {FEMS Microbiology Letters}, volume = {308}, year = {2010}, month = {2010/05/06/}, pages = {130 - 137}, abstract = {This report describes Vibrio seventh pandemic island II (VSP-II) and three novel variants revealed by comparative genomics of 23 Vibrio cholerae strains and their presence among a large and diverse collection of V. cholerae isolates. Three VSP-II variants were reported previously and our results demonstrate the presence of three novel VSP-II in clinical and environmental V. cholerae marked by major deletions and genetic rearrangements. A new VSP-II cluster was found in the seventh pandemic V. cholerae O1 El Tor strain CIRS101, which is dominant (95\%) among the recent (2004{\textendash}2007) seven pandemic V. cholerae O1 El Tor isolates from two endemic sites, but was not found in older strains from the same region. Two other variants were found in V. cholerae TMA21 and RC385, two environmental strains from coastal Brazil and the Chesapeake Bay, respectively, the latter being prevalent among environmental V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 and Vibrio mimicus. The results of this study indicate that the VSP-II island has undergone significant rearrangement through a complex evolutionary pathway in V. cholerae. Interestingly, one of the new VSP-II revealed the presence of {\textquoteleft}old{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteleft}new{\textquoteright}V. cholerae O1 El Tor pandemic clones circulating in some of the areas where cholera is endemic.}, keywords = {Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio mimicus, VPS-II}, isbn = {1574-6968}, doi = {10.1111/j.1574-6968.2010.02008.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1574-6968.2010.02008.x/full}, author = {Taviani,Elisa and Grim,Christopher J. and Choi,Jinna and Jongsik Chun and Haley,Bradd and Hasan,Nur A. and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12876, title = {Diversity and distribution of cholix toxin, a novel ADP-ribosylating factor from Vibrio cholerae}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology Reports}, volume = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {2010/02/08/}, pages = {198 - 207}, abstract = {Non-toxigenic non-O1, non-O139 Vibrio cholerae strains isolated from both environmental and clinical settings carry a suite of virulence factors aside from cholera toxin. Among V. cholerae strains isolated from coastal waters of southern California, this includes cholix toxin, an ADP-ribosylating factor that is capable of halting protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells. The prevalence of the gene encoding cholix toxin, chxA, was assessed among a collection of 155 diverse V. cholerae strains originating from both clinical and environmental settings in Bangladesh and Mexico and other countries around the globe. The chxA gene was present in 47\% of 83 non-O1, non-O139 strains and 16\% of 72 O1/O139 strains screened as part of this study. A total of 86 chxA gene sequences were obtained, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that they fall into two distinct clades. These two clades were also observed in the phylogenies of several housekeeping genes, suggesting that the divergence observed in chxA extends to other regions of the V. cholerae genome, and most likely has arisen from vertical descent rather than horizontal transfer. Our results clearly indicate that ChxA is a major toxin of V. cholerae with a worldwide distribution that is preferentially associated with non-pandemic strains.}, isbn = {1758-2229}, doi = {10.1111/j.1758-2229.2010.00139.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1758-2229.2010.00139.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Purdy,Alexandra E. and Balch,Deborah and Liz{\'a}rraga-Partida,Marcial Leonardo and Islam,Mohammad Sirajul and Martinez-Urtaza,Jaime and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell and Bartlett,Douglas H.} } @article {12872, title = {Effect on Human Cells of Environmental Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Strains Carrying Type III Secretion System 2}, journal = {Infection and ImmunityInfect. Immun.}, volume = {78}, year = {2010}, month = {2010/07/01/}, pages = {3280 - 3287}, abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an inhabitant of estuarine and marine environments that causes seafood-borne gastroenteritis worldwide. Recently, a type 3 secretion system (T3SS2) able to secrete and translocate virulence factors into the eukaryotic cell has been identified in a pathogenicity island (VP-PAI) located on the smaller chromosome. These virulence-related genes have previously been detected only in clinical strains. Classical virulence genes for this species (tdh, trh) are rarely detected in environmental strains, which are usually considered to lack virulence potential. However, during screening of a collection of environmental V. parahaemolyticus isolates obtained in the North Adriatic Sea in Italy, a number of marine strains carrying virulence-related genes, including genes involved in the T3SS2, were detected. In this study, we investigated the pathogenic potential of these marine V. parahaemolyticus strains by studying their adherence ability, their cytotoxicity, their effect on zonula occludin protein 1 (ZO-1) of the tight junctions, and their effect on transepithelial resistance (TER) in infected Caco-2 cells. By performing a reverse transcription-PCR, we also tested the expression of the T3SS2 genes vopT and vopB2, encoding an effector and a translocon protein, respectively. Our results indicate that, similarly to clinical strains, marine V. parahaemolyticus strains carrying vopT and vopB2 and that other genes included in the VP-PAI are capable of adhering to human cells and of causing cytoskeletal disruption and loss of membrane integrity in infected cells. On the basis of data presented here, environmental V. parahaemolyticus strains should be included in coastal water surveillance plans, as they may represent a risk for human health.}, isbn = {0019-9567, 1098-5522}, doi = {10.1128/IAI.00050-10}, url = {http://iai.asm.org/content/78/7/3280}, author = {Caburlotto,Greta and Lle{\`o},Maria M. and Hilton,Tamara and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell and Kaper,James B.} } @article {12880, title = {Environmental reservoirs of Vibrio cholerae and their role in cholera}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology Reports}, volume = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {2010/01/15/}, pages = {27 - 33}, abstract = {In the aquatic environment, Vibrio cholerae has been reported to be associated with a variety of living organisms, including animals with an exoskeleton of chitin, aquatic plants, protozoa, bivalves, waterbirds, as well as abiotic substrates (e.g. sediments). Most of these are well-known or putative environmental reservoirs for the bacterium, defined as places where the pathogen lives over time, with the potential to be released and to cause human infection. Environmental reservoirs also serve as V. cholerae disseminators and vectors. They can be responsible for the start of an epidemic, may be critical to cholera endemicity, and affect the evolution of pathogen virulence. To date, in addition to the generally recognized role of zooplankton as the largest environmental reservoir for V. cholerae, other environmental reservoirs play some role in cholera epidemiology by favouring persistence of the pathogen during inter-epidemic periods. Little is known about the ecological factors affecting V. cholerae survival in association with aquatic substrates. Studies aimed at these aspects, i.e. understanding how environmental reservoirs interact, are affected by climate, and contribute to disease epidemiology, will be useful for understanding global implications of V. cholerae and the disease cholera.}, isbn = {1758-2229}, doi = {10.1111/j.1758-2229.2009.00128.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1758-2229.2009.00128.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Vezzulli,Luigi and Pruzzo,Carla and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12871, title = {Genome Sequence of Hybrid Vibrio Cholerae O1 MJ-1236, B-33, and CIRS101 and Comparative Genomics with V. Cholerae}, journal = {Journal of BacteriologyJ. Bacteriol.}, volume = {192}, year = {2010}, month = {2010/07/01/}, pages = {3524 - 3533}, abstract = {The genomes of Vibrio cholerae O1 Matlab variant MJ-1236, Mozambique O1 El Tor variant B33, and altered O1 El Tor CIRS101 were sequenced. All three strains were found to belong to the phylocore group 1 clade of V. cholerae, which includes the 7th-pandemic O1 El Tor and serogroup O139 isolates, despite displaying certain characteristics of the classical biotype. All three strains were found to harbor a hybrid variant of CTXΦ and an integrative conjugative element (ICE), leading to their establishment as successful clinical clones and the displacement of prototypical O1 El Tor. The absence of strain- and group-specific genomic islands, some of which appear to be prophages and phage-like elements, seems to be the most likely factor in the recent establishment of dominance of V. cholerae CIRS101 over the other two hybrid strains.}, isbn = {0021-9193, 1098-5530}, doi = {10.1128/JB.00040-10}, url = {http://jb.asm.org/content/192/13/3524}, author = {Grim,Christopher J. and Hasan,Nur A. and Taviani,Elisa and Haley,Bradd and Jongsik Chun and Brettin,Thomas S. and Bruce,David C. and Detter,J. Chris and Han,Cliff S. and Chertkov,Olga and Challacombe,Jean and Huq,Anwar and Nair,G. Balakrish and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12875, title = {Identification of Pathogenic Vibrio Species by Multilocus PCR-Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry and Its Application to Aquatic Environments of the Former Soviet Republic of Georgia}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {76}, year = {2010}, month = {2010/03/15/}, pages = {1996 - 2001}, abstract = {The Ibis T5000 is a novel diagnostic platform that couples PCR and mass spectrometry. In this study, we developed an assay that can identify all known pathogenic Vibrio species and field-tested it using natural water samples from both freshwater lakes and the Georgian coastal zone of the Black Sea. Of the 278 total water samples screened, 9 different Vibrio species were detected, 114 (41\%) samples were positive for V. cholerae, and 5 (0.8\%) samples were positive for the cholera toxin A gene (ctxA). All ctxA-positive samples were from two freshwater lakes, and no ctxA-positive samples from any of the Black Sea sites were detected.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.01919-09}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/76/6/1996}, author = {Whitehouse,Chris A. and Baldwin,Carson and Sampath,Rangarajan and Blyn,Lawrence B. and Melton,Rachael and Li,Feng and Hall,Thomas A. and Harpin,Vanessa and Matthews,Heather and Tediashvili,Marina and Jaiani,Ekaterina and Kokashvili,Tamar and Janelidze,Nino and Grim,Christopher and Rita R Colwell and Huq,Anwar} } @article {12879, title = {Occurrence of the Vibrio cholerae seventh pandemic VSP-I island and a new variant}, journal = {OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology}, volume = {14}, year = {2010}, month = {2010/02//}, pages = {1 - 7}, isbn = {1536-2310, 1557-8100}, doi = {10.1089/omi.2009.0087}, url = {http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/omi.2009.0087}, author = {Grim,Christopher J. and Choi,Jinna and Jongsik Chun and Jeon,Yoon-Seong and Taviani,Elisa and Hasan,Nur A. and Haley,Bradd and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12877, title = {The pre-seventh pandemic Vibrio cholerae BX 330286 El Tor genome: evidence for the environment as a genome reservoir}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology Reports}, volume = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {2010/02/01/}, pages = {208 - 216}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor BX 330286 was isolated from a water sample in Australia in 1986, 9 years after an indigenous outbreak of cholera occurred in that region. This environmental strain encodes virulence factors highly similar to those of clinical strains, suggesting an ability to cause disease in humans. We demonstrate its high similarity in gene content and genome-wide nucleotide sequence to clinical V. cholerae strains, notably to pre-seventh pandemic O1 El Tor strains isolated in 1910 (V. cholerae NCTC 8457) and 1937 (V. cholerae MAK 757), as well as seventh pandemic strains isolated after 1960 globally. Here we demonstrate that this strain represents a transitory clone with shared characteristics between pre-seventh and seventh pandemic strains of V. cholerae. Interestingly, this strain was isolated 25 years after the beginning of the seventh pandemic, suggesting the environment as a genome reservoir in areas where cholera does not occur in sporadic, endemic or epidemic form.}, isbn = {1758-2229}, doi = {10.1111/j.1758-2229.2010.00141.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1758-2229.2010.00141.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Haley,Bradd J. and Grim,Christopher J. and Hasan,Nur A. and Taviani,Elisa and Jongsik Chun and Brettin,Thomas S. and Bruce,David C. and Challacombe,Jean F. and Detter,J. Chris and Han,Cliff S. and Huq,Anwar and Nair,G. Balakrish and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12878, title = {Serodiversity and ecological distribution of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the Venetian Lagoon, Northeast Italy}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology Reports}, volume = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {2010/02/01/}, pages = {151 - 157}, abstract = {Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a natural inhabitant of estuarine and marine environments constituting part of the autochthonous microflora. This species is associated with human gastroenteritis caused by ingestion of contaminated water and undercooked seafood. During the past several years, the number of V. parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis cases have increased worldwide, causing over half of all food-poisoning outbreaks of bacterial origin. Vibrio populations in water are known to be influenced by environmental factors. Notably, it has been shown that in different parts of the world the distribution of V. parahaemolyticus in the marine environment is related to the water temperature. In this study, we identified environmental determinants affecting distribution of V. parahaemolyticus in the Venetian Lagoon, in the Italian North Adriatic Sea. Data obtained revealed that sea surface temperature constitutes the key factor influencing occurrence of V. parahaemolyticus, but salinity and chlorophyll concentration are also important. Serotyping of a collection of V. parahaemolyticus environmental isolates revealed high serodiversity, with serotypes O3:KUT and O1:KUT, belonging to the {\textquoteleft}pandemic group{\textquoteright}, occurring with higher frequency. From our results, we conclude that there is no correlation between serotype and specific geographic site or season of the year. However, certain serotypes were isolated in the Lagoon during the entire 18 months of the study, strongly suggesting persistence in this environment.}, isbn = {1758-2229}, doi = {10.1111/j.1758-2229.2009.00123.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1758-2229.2009.00123.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Caburlotto,Greta and Haley,Bradd J. and Lle{\`o},Maria M. and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12886, title = {Analysis of clonally related environmental Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor isolated before 1992 from Varanasi, India reveals origin of SXT-ICEs belonging to O139 and O1 serogroups}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology Reports}, volume = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/07/21/}, pages = {50 - 57}, abstract = {In this study, we report the presence of SXT in environmental Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor strains isolated before 1992 from Varanasi, India. All isolates, except one, were resistant to Tm, and/or Sul, Sm, Fr, Na and Am. None contained plasmids. PCR and DNA sequencing revealed the presence of SXT containing dfrA1 and/or sulII, strAB in six isolates and dfr18, sulII and strAB in five isolates. Three clinical V. cholerae O1 isolated during 1992 contained the antibiotic resistance gene cassette aadA1 in the class 1 integron. Conjugation experiments, followed by PCR analysis of transconjugants, provided evidence of the transferable nature of SXT and associated antibiotic resistance genes, and its integration into the prfC site. Results of phylogenetic analysis of the intSXT gene of clonally similar V. cholerae showed a clear difference between dfr18+ and dfrA1+V. cholerae O1 isolates. This is the first report of the occurrence of SXT harbouring sulII, strAB, dfr18 and/or dfrA1 genes in environmental V. cholerae O1 isolated prior to 1992 from Varanasi, India, and suggests emergence of SXT+ antibiotic-resistant V. cholerae O139 and O1 from an environmental V. cholerae progenitor by acquisition of SXT and antibiotic-resistant gene clusters.}, isbn = {1758-2229}, doi = {10.1111/j.1758-2229.2009.00051.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1758-2229.2009.00051.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Mohapatra,Saswat S. and Mantri,Chinmay K. and Mohapatra,Harapriya and Rita R Colwell and Singh,Durg V.} } @article {12889, title = {Biological agent detection technologies}, journal = {Molecular Ecology Resources}, volume = {9}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/04/21/}, pages = {51 - 57}, abstract = {The challenge for first responders, physicians in the emergency room, public health personnel, as well as for food manufacturers, distributors and retailers is accurate and reliable identification of pathogenic agents and their corresponding diseases. This is the weakest point in biological agent detection capability today.There is intense research for new molecular detection technologies that could be used for very accurate detection of pathogens that would be a concern to first responders. These include the need for sensors for multiple applications as varied as understanding the ecology of pathogenic micro-organisms, forensics, environmental sampling for detect-to-treat applications, biological sensors for {\textquoteleft}detect to warn{\textquoteright} in infrastructure protection, responses to reports of {\textquoteleft}suspicious powders{\textquoteright}, and customs and borders enforcement, to cite a few examples. The benefits of accurate detection include saving millions of dollars annually by reducing disruption of the workforce and the national economy and improving delivery of correct countermeasures to those who are most in need of the information to provide protective and/or response measures. }, keywords = {barcoding, biological agent, DETECTION, identification, sequencing}, isbn = {1755-0998}, doi = {10.1111/j.1755-0998.2009.02632.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1755-0998.2009.02632.x/full}, author = {Jakupciak,John P. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12895, title = {Comparative genomics reveals mechanism for short-term and long-term clonal transitions in pandemic Vibrio cholerae}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, volume = {106}, year = {2009}, month = {2009///}, pages = {15442 - 15447}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, is a bacterium autochthonous to the aquatic environment, and a serious public health threat. V. cholerae serogroup O1 is responsible for the previous two cholera pandemics, in which classical and El Tor biotypes were dominant in the sixth and the current seventh pandemics, respectively. Cholera researchers continually face newly emerging and reemerging pathogenic clones carrying diverse combinations of phenotypic and genotypic properties, which significantly hampered control of the disease. To elucidate evolutionary mechanisms governing genetic diversity of pandemic V. cholerae, we compared the genome sequences of 23 V. cholerae strains isolated from a variety of sources over the past 98 years. The genome-based phylogeny revealed 12 distinct V. cholerae lineages, of which one comprises both O1 classical and El Tor biotypes. All seventh pandemic clones share nearly identical gene content. Using analogy to influenza virology, we define the transition from sixth to seventh pandemic strains as a {\textquotedblleft}shift{\textquotedblright} between pathogenic clones belonging to the same O1 serogroup, but from significantly different phyletic lineages. In contrast, transition among clones during the present pandemic period is characterized as a {\textquotedblleft}drift{\textquotedblright} between clones, differentiated mainly by varying composition of laterally transferred genomic islands, resulting in emergence of variants, exemplified by V. cholerae O139 and V. cholerae O1 El Tor hybrid clones. Based on the comparative genomics it is concluded that V. cholerae undergoes extensive genetic recombination via lateral gene transfer, and, therefore, genome assortment, not serogroup, should be used to define pathogenic V. cholerae clones.}, isbn = {0027-8424, 1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.0907787106}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/content/106/36/15442}, author = {Chun,J. and Grim,C. J. and Hasan,N. A. and Lee,J. H. and Choi,S. Y. and Haley,B. J. and Taviani,E. and Jeon,Y. S. and Kim,D.W. and Lee,J. H. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12883, title = {Detection of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 in freshwater lakes of the former Soviet Republic of Georgia}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology Reports}, volume = {2}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/09/03/}, pages = {2 - 6}, abstract = {Three freshwater lakes, Lisi Lake, Kumisi Lake and Tbilisi Sea, near Tbilisi, Georgia, were studied from January 2006 to December 2007 to determine the presence of Vibrio cholerae employing both bacteriological culture method and direct detection methods, namely PCR and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA). For PCR, DNA extracted from water samples was tested for presence of V. cholerae and genes coding for selected virulence factors. Vibrio cholerae non-O1/non-O139 was routinely isolated by culture from all three lakes; whereas V. cholerae O1 and O139 were not. Water samples collected during the summer months from Lisi Lake and Kumisi Lake were positive for both V. cholerae and V. cholerae ctxA, tcpA, zot, ompU and toxR by PCR. Water samples collected during the same period from both Lisi and Kumisi Lake were also positive for V. cholerae serogroup O1 by DFA. All of the samples were negative for V. cholerae serotype O139. The results of this study provide evidence for an environmental presence of toxigenic V. cholerae O1, which may represent a potential source of illness as these lakes serve as recreational water in Tbilisi, Georgia.}, isbn = {1758-2229}, doi = {10.1111/j.1758-2229.2009.00073.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1758-2229.2009.00073.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Grim,Christopher J. and Jaiani,Ekaterina and Whitehouse,Chris A. and Janelidze,Nino and Kokashvili,Tamuna and Tediashvili,Marina and Rita R Colwell and Huq,Anwar} } @article {12891, title = {Determination of relationships among non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 biotype El Tor strains from housekeeping gene sequences and ribotype patterns}, journal = {Research in Microbiology}, volume = {160}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/01//}, pages = {57 - 62}, abstract = {Sequencing of three housekeeping genes, mdh, dnaE and recA, and ribotyping for seven non-toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 strains isolated from different geographic sources indicate a phylogenetic relationship among the strains. Results of MLST and ribotyping indicate a clear difference between three toxigenic strains (N16961, O395, and 569B) and three non-toxigenic strains from India (GS1, GS2, and GW87) and one Guam strain (X392), the latter of which were similar in both MLST and ribotyping, while two other non-toxigenic strains from the USA and India (2740-80 and OR69) appeared to be more closely related to toxigenic strains than to non-toxigenic strains, although this was not supported by ribotyping. These results provide clues to the emergence of toxigenic strains from a non-toxigenic progenitor by acquisition of virulence gene clusters. Results of split decomposition analysis suggest that widespread recombination occurs among the three housekeeping genes and that recombination plays an important role in the emergence of toxigenic strains of V. cholerae O1.}, keywords = {Housekeeping genes, Ribotyping, sequencing, Vibrio cholerae}, isbn = {0923-2508}, doi = {10.1016/j.resmic.2008.10.008}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0923250808001794}, author = {Mohapatra,Saswat S. and Ramachandran,Dhanya and Mantri,Chinmay K. and Rita R Colwell and Singh,Durg V.} } @article {12890, title = {Diversity and Seasonality of Bioluminescent Vibrio Cholerae Populations in Chesapeake Bay}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {75}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/01/01/}, pages = {135 - 146}, abstract = {Association of luminescence with phenotypic and genotypic traits and with environmental parameters was determined for 278 strains of Vibrio cholerae isolated from the Chesapeake Bay during 1998 to 2000. Three clusters of luminescent strains (A, B, and C) and two nonluminescent clusters (X and Y) were identified among 180 clonal types. V. cholerae O1 strains isolated during pandemics and endemic cholera in the Ganges Delta were related to cluster Y. Heat-stable enterotoxin (encoded by stn) and the membrane protein associated with bile resistance (encoded by ompU) were found to be linked to luminescence in strains of cluster A. Succession from nonluminescent to luminescent populations of V. cholerae occurred during spring to midsummer. Occurrence of cluster A strains in water with neutral pH was contrasted with that of cluster Y strains in water with a pH of >8. Cluster A was found to be associated with a specific calanoid population cooccurring with cyclopoids. Cluster B was related to cluster Y, with its maximal prevalence at pH 8. Occurrence of cluster B strains was more frequent with warmer water temperatures and negatively correlated with maturity of the copepod community. It is concluded that each cluster of luminescent V. cholerae strains occupies a distinct ecological niche. Since the dynamics of these niche-specific subpopulations are associated with zooplankton community composition, the ecology of luminescent V. cholerae is concluded to be related to its interaction with copepods and related crustacean species.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.02894-07}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/75/1/135}, author = {Zo,Young-Gun and Chokesajjawatee,Nipa and Grim,Christopher and Arakawa,Eiji and Watanabe,Haruo and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12896, title = {Genome assortment, not serogroup, defines Vibrio cholerae pandemic strains}, journal = {Nature}, year = {2009}, month = {2009///}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, is a bacterium autochthonous to the aquatic environment, and a serious public health threat. V. cholerae serogroup O1 is responsible for the previous two cholera pandemics, in which classical and El Tor biotypes were dominant in the 6th and the current 7th pandemics, respectively. Cholera researchers continually face newly emerging and re-emerging pathogenic clones carrying combinations of new serogroups as well as of phenotypic and genotypic properties. These genotype and phenotype changes have hampered control of the disease. Here we compare the complete genome sequences of 23 strains of V. cholerae isolated from a variety of sources and geographical locations over the past 98 years in an effort to elucidate the evolutionary mechanisms governing genetic diversity and genesis of new pathogenic clones. The genome-based phylogeny revealed 12 distinct V. cholerae phyletic lineages, of which one, designated the V. cholerae core genome (CG), comprises both O1 classical and EI Tor biotypes. All 7th pandemic clones share nearly identical gene content, i.e., the same genome backbone. The transition from 6th to 7th pandemic strains is defined here as a {\textquoteright}shift{\textquoteright} between pathogenic clones belonging to the same O1 serogroup, but from significantly different phyletic lineages within the CG clade. In contrast, transition among clones during the present 7th pandemic period can be characterized as a {\textquoteright}drift{\textquoteright} between clones, differentiated mainly by varying composition of laterally transferred genomic islands, resulting in emergence of variants, exemplified by V.cholerae serogroup O139 and V.cholerae O1 El Tor hybrid clones that produce cholera toxin of classical biotype. Based on the comprehensive comparative genomics presented in this study it is concluded that V. cholerae undergoes extensive genetic recombination via lateral gene transfer, and, therefore, genome assortment, not serogroup, should be used to define pathogenic V. cholerae clones.}, keywords = {59; CHOLERA; GENES; GENETICS; GENOTYPE; ISLANDS; ORIGIN; PHENOTYPE; PUBLIC HEALTH; RECOMBINATION; STRAINS; TOXINS}, url = {http://www.osti.gov/energycitations/servlets/purl/962365-icnke9/}, author = {Brettin,Thomas S[Los Alamos National Laboratory and Bruce,David C[Los Alamos National Laboratory and Challacombe,Jean F[Los Alamos National Laboratory and Detter,John C[Los Alamos National Laboratory and Han,Cliff S[Los Alamos National Laboratory and Munik,A. C[Los Alamos National Laboratory and Chertkov,Olga[Los Alamos National Laboratory and Meincke,Linda[Los Alamos National Laboratory and Saunders,Elizabeth[Los Alamos National Laboratory and Choi,Seon Y[SEOUL NATL UNIV and Haley,Bradd J[U MARYLAND and Taviani,Elisa[U MARYLAND and Jeon,Yoon-Seong[INTL VACCINE INST SEOUL and Kim,Dong Wook[INTL VACCINE INST SEOUL and Lee,Jae-Hak[SEOUL NATL UNIV and Walters,Ronald A[PNNL and Hug,Anwar[NATL INST CHOLERIC ENTERIC DIS and Rita R Colwell} } @inbook {12893, title = {The Genus Vibrio and Related Genera}, booktitle = {Practical handbook of microbiologyPractical handbook of microbiology}, year = {2009}, month = {2009///}, pages = {267 - 267}, publisher = {CRC Press}, organization = {CRC Press}, isbn = {9780849393655}, author = {Rita R Colwell and Chun,J.}, editor = {Goldman,Emanuel and Green,Lorrence H.} } @article {12888, title = {Microbial oceanography in a sea of opportunity}, journal = {Nature}, volume = {459}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/05/13/}, pages = {180 - 184}, abstract = {Plankton use solar energy to drive the nutrient cycles that make the planet habitable for larger organisms. We can now explore the diversity and functions of plankton using genomics, revealing the gene repertoires associated with survival in the oceans. Such studies will help us to appreciate the sensitivity of ocean systems and of the ocean{\textquoteright}s response to climate change, improving the predictive power of climate models.}, keywords = {Astronomy, astrophysics, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Biology, biotechnology, cancer, cell cycle, cell signalling, climate change, Computational Biology, development, developmental biology, DNA, drug discovery, earth science, ecology, environmental science, Evolution, evolutionary biology, functional genomics, Genetics, Genomics, geophysics, immunology, interdisciplinary science, life, marine biology, materials science, medical research, medicine, metabolomics, molecular biology, molecular interactions, nanotechnology, Nature, neurobiology, neuroscience, palaeobiology, pharmacology, Physics, proteomics, quantum physics, RNA, Science, science news, science policy, signal transduction, structural biology, systems biology, transcriptomics}, isbn = {0028-0836}, doi = {10.1038/nature08056}, url = {http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v459/n7244/abs/nature08056.html}, author = {Bowler,Chris and Karl,David M. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12887, title = {New records of phytoplankton for Bangladesh. 9. Some rare and a new species}, journal = {Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy}, volume = {16}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/06/25/}, abstract = {Ten taxa belonging to Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Euglenophyceae, and one with an uncertain taxonomic position have been described in this paper. Of these, 10 taxa have been found to be globally rare and new records for Bangladesh, whereas Strombomonas islamii Khondker sp. nov. has been described as new to science.}, isbn = {1028-2092}, doi = {10.3329/bjpt.v16i1.2734}, url = {http://www.banglajol.info/bd/index.php/BJPT/article/viewArticle/2734}, author = {Khondker,Moniruzzaman and Bhuiyan,Rauf Ahmed and Yeasmin,Jenat and Alam,Munirul and Sack,R. Bradley and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12892, title = {Predicting the distribution of Vibrio spp. in the Chesapeake Bay: a Vibrio cholerae case study}, journal = {EcoHealth}, volume = {6}, year = {2009}, month = {2009///}, pages = {378 - 389}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, is a naturally occurring inhabitant of the Chesapeake Bay and serves as a predictor for other clinically important vibrios, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus. A system was constructed to predict the likelihood of the presence of V. cholerae in surface waters of the Chesapeake Bay, with the goal to provide forecasts of the occurrence of this and related pathogenic Vibrio spp. Prediction was achieved by driving an available multivariate empirical habitat model estimating the probability of V. cholerae within a range of temperatures and salinities in the Bay, with hydrodynamically generated predictions of ambient temperature and salinity. The experimental predictions provided both an improved understanding of the in situ variability of V. cholerae, including identification of potential hotspots of occurrence, and usefulness as an early warning system. With further development of the system, prediction of the probability of the occurrence of related pathogenic vibrios in the Chesapeake Bay, notably V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus, will be possible, as well as its transport to any geographical location where sufficient relevant data are available.}, doi = {10.1007/s10393-009-0273-6}, author = {Constantin de Magny,G. and Long,W. and Brown,C. W. and Hood,R. R. and Huq,A. and Murtugudde,R. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12884, title = {RNA Colony Blot Hybridization Method for Enumeration of Culturable Vibrio Cholerae and Vibrio Mimicus Bacteria}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {75}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/09/01/}, pages = {5439 - 5444}, abstract = {A species-specific RNA colony blot hybridization protocol was developed for enumeration of culturable Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio mimicus bacteria in environmental water samples. Bacterial colonies on selective or nonselective plates were lysed by sodium dodecyl sulfate, and the lysates were immobilized on nylon membranes. A fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide probe targeting a phylogenetic signature sequence of 16S rRNA of V. cholerae and V. mimicus was hybridized to rRNA molecules immobilized on the nylon colony lift blots. The protocol produced strong positive signals for all colonies of the 15 diverse V. cholerae-V. mimicus strains tested, indicating 100\% sensitivity of the probe for the targeted species. For visible colonies of 10 nontarget species, the specificity of the probe was calculated to be 90\% because of a weak positive signal produced by Grimontia (Vibrio) hollisae, a marine bacterium. When both the sensitivity and specificity of the assay were evaluated using lake water samples amended with a bioluminescent V. cholerae strain, no false-negative or false-positive results were found, indicating 100\% sensitivity and specificity for culturable bacterial populations in freshwater samples when G. hollisae was not present. When the protocol was applied to laboratory microcosms containing V. cholerae attached to live copepods, copepods were found to carry approximately 10,000 to 50,000 CFU of V. cholerae per copepod. The protocol was also used to analyze pond water samples collected in an area of cholera endemicity in Bangladesh over a 9-month period. Water samples collected from six ponds demonstrated a peak in abundance of total culturable V. cholerae bacteria 1 to 2 months prior to observed increases in pathogenic V. cholerae and in clinical cases recorded by the area health clinic. The method provides a highly specific and sensitive tool for monitoring the dynamics of V. cholerae in the environment. The RNA blot hybridization protocol can also be applied to detection of other gram-negative bacteria for taxon-specific enumeration.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.02007-08}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/75/17/5439}, author = {Grim,Christopher J. and Zo,Young-Gun and Hasan,Nur A. and Ali,Afsar and Chowdhury,Wasimul B. and Islam,Atiqul and Rashid,Mohammed H. and Alam,Munirul and Morris,J. Glenn and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12882, title = {Serogroup, Virulence, and Genetic Traits of Vibrio Parahaemolyticus in the Estuarine Ecosystem of Bangladesh}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {75}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/10/01/}, pages = {6268 - 6274}, abstract = {Forty-two strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were isolated from Bay of Bengal estuaries and, with two clinical strains, analyzed for virulence, phenotypic, and molecular traits. Serological analysis indicated O8, O3, O1, and K21 to be the major O and K serogroups, respectively, and O8:K21, O1:KUT, and O3:KUT to be predominant. The K antigen(s) was untypeable, and pandemic serogroup O3:K6 was not detected. The presence of genes toxR and tlh were confirmed by PCR in all but two strains, which also lacked toxR. A total of 18 (41\%) strains possessed the virulence gene encoding thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH), and one had the TDH-related hemolysin (trh) gene, but not tdh. Ten (23\%) strains exhibited Kanagawa phenomenon that surrogates virulence, of which six, including the two clinical strains, possessed tdh. Of the 18 tdh-positive strains, 17 (94\%), including the two clinical strains, had the seromarker O8:K21, one was O9:KUT, and the single trh-positive strain was O1:KUT. None had the group-specific or ORF8 pandemic marker gene. DNA fingerprinting employing pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of SfiI-digested DNA and cluster analysis showed divergence among the strains. Dendrograms constructed using PFGE (SfiI) images from a soft database, including those of pandemic and nonpandemic strains of diverse geographic origin, however, showed that local strains formed a cluster, i.e., {\textquotedblleft}clonal cluster,{\textquotedblright} as did pandemic strains of diverse origin. The demonstrated prevalence of tdh-positive and diarrheagenic serogroup O8:K21 strains in coastal villages of Bangladesh indicates a significant human health risk for inhabitants.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.00266-09}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/75/19/6268}, author = {Alam,Munirul and Chowdhury,Wasimul B. and Bhuiyan,N. A. and Islam,Atiqul and Hasan,Nur A. and Nair,G. Balakrish and Watanabe,H. and Siddique,A. K. and Huq,Anwar and Sack,R. Bradley and Akhter,M. Z. and Grim,Christopher J. and Kam,K.-M. and Luey,C. K. Y. and Endtz,Hubert P. and Cravioto,Alejandro and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12885, title = {Using Satellite Images of Environmental Changes to Predict Infectious Disease Outbreaks}, journal = {Emerging Infectious DiseasesEmerg Infect Dis}, volume = {15}, year = {2009}, month = {2009/09//}, pages = {1341 - 1346}, abstract = {A strong global satellite imaging system is essential for predicting outbreaks., Recent events clearly illustrate a continued vulnerability of large populations to infectious diseases, which is related to our changing human-constructed and natural environments. A single person with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in 2007 provided a wake-up call to the United States and global public health infrastructure, as the health professionals and the public realized that today{\textquoteright}s ease of airline travel can potentially expose hundreds of persons to an untreatable disease associated with an infectious agent. Ease of travel, population increase, population displacement, pollution, agricultural activity, changing socioeconomic structures, and international conflicts worldwide have each contributed to infectious disease events. Today, however, nothing is larger in scale, has more potential for long-term effects, and is more uncertain than the effects of climate change on infectious disease outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics. We discuss advances in our ability to predict these events and, in particular, the critical role that satellite imaging could play in mounting an effective response.}, isbn = {1080-6040}, doi = {10.3201/eid/1509.081334}, author = {Ford,Timothy E. and Rita R Colwell and Rose,Joan B. and Morse,Stephen S. and Rogers,David J. and Yates,Terry L.} } @article {12894, title = {Viable but not cultivable bacteria}, journal = {Uncultivated Microorganisms}, year = {2009}, month = {2009///}, pages = {121 - 129}, abstract = {A well-studied, long-term survival mechanism employed by Gram-positive bacteria is formation of endospores. For Gram-negative bacteria, the assumption has been that a survival state does not exist. However, a dormancy state has been described for Gram-negative bacteria and designated as the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) strategy of nonspore-forming cells. A variety of environmental factors are involved in induction of the viable but nonculturable state and Vibrio cholerae provides a useful paradigm for the VBNC phenomenon. It is now accepted that plate counts cannot be relied upon to enumerate or detect VBNC cells. Therefore, direct methods employing fluorescent staining, molecular genetic probes, and other molecular methods have proven both useful and reliable in detecting and enumerating both culturable and nonculturable cells. A predictive model for cholera has been developed, based on ground truth data gathered using these molecular methods and combining them with data obtained by remote sensing, employing satellites. It is clear that microbiology in the twenty-first century has been enhanced by these new tools and paradigms.}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-540-85465-4_1}, author = {Rita R Colwell} } @article {12905, title = {Biofilms in water, its role and impact in human disease transmission}, journal = {Current Opinion in Biotechnology}, volume = {19}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/06//}, pages = {244 - 247}, abstract = {Understanding the mechanism of biofilm formation is the first step in determining its function and, thereby, its impact and role in the environment. Extensive studies accomplished during the past few years have elucidated the genetics and biochemistry of biofilm formation. Cell-to-cell communication, that is, quorum sensing, is a key factor in the initiation of biofilm. Occurrence of viable but nonculturable bacteria, including Vibrio cholerae in biofilms has been reported and most likely such cells were overlooked previously because appropriate methods of detection were not employed. For this reason discovery and investigation of this important bacterial ecological niche in the environment were impeded.}, isbn = {0958-1669}, doi = {10.1016/j.copbio.2008.04.005}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958166908000505}, author = {Huq,Anwar and Whitehouse,Chris A. and Grim,Christopher J. and Alam,Munirul and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12898, title = {The Complete Genome Sequence of Thermococcus Onnurineus NA1 Reveals a Mixed Heterotrophic and Carboxydotrophic Metabolism}, journal = {Journal of BacteriologyJ. Bacteriol.}, volume = {190}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/11/15/}, pages = {7491 - 7499}, abstract = {Members of the genus Thermococcus, sulfur-reducing hyperthermophilic archaea, are ubiquitously present in various deep-sea hydrothermal vent systems and are considered to play a significant role in the microbial consortia. We present the complete genome sequence and feature analysis of Thermococcus onnurineus NA1 isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent area, which reveal clues to its physiology. Based on results of genomic analysis, T. onnurineus NA1 possesses the metabolic pathways for organotrophic growth on peptides, amino acids, or sugars. More interesting was the discovery that the genome encoded unique proteins that are involved in carboxydotrophy to generate energy by oxidation of CO to CO2, thereby providing a mechanistic basis for growth with CO as a substrate. This lithotrophic feature in combination with carbon fixation via RuBisCO (ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) introduces a new strategy with a complementing energy supply for T. onnurineus NA1 potentially allowing it to cope with nutrient stress in the surrounding of hydrothermal vents, providing the first genomic evidence for the carboxydotrophy in Thermococcus.}, isbn = {0021-9193, 1098-5530}, doi = {10.1128/JB.00746-08}, url = {http://jb.asm.org/content/190/22/7491}, author = {Lee,Hyun Sook and Kang,Sung Gyun and Bae,Seung Seob and Lim,Jae Kyu and Cho,Yona and Kim,Yun Jae and Jeon,Jeong Ho and Cha,Sun-Shin and Kwon,Kae Kyoung and Kim,Hyung-Tae and Park,Cheol-Joo and Lee,Hee-Wook and Kim,Seung Il and Jongsik Chun and Rita R Colwell and Kim,Sang-Jin and Lee,Jung-Hyun} } @article {12906, title = {Covariability of Vibrio Cholerae Microdiversity and Environmental Parameters}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {74}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/05/01/}, pages = {2915 - 2920}, abstract = {Fine-scale diversity of natural bacterial assemblages has been attributed to neutral radiation because correspondence between bacterial phylogenetic signals in the natural environment and environmental parameters had not been detected. Evidence that such correspondence occurs is provided for Vibrio cholerae, establishing a critical role for environmental parameters in bacterial diversity.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.02139-07}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/74/9/2915}, author = {Zo,Young-Gun and Chokesajjawatee,Nipa and Arakawa,Eiji and Watanabe,Haruo and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12901, title = {Determination of Clonality and Relatedness of Vibrio Cholerae Isolates by Genomic Fingerprinting, Using Long-Range Repetitive Element Sequence-Based PCR}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {74}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/09/01/}, pages = {5392 - 5401}, abstract = {A high-throughput method which is applicable for rapid screening, identification, and delineation of isolates of Vibrio cholerae, sensitive to genome variation, and capable of providing phylogenetic inferences enhances environmental monitoring of this bacterium. We have developed and optimized a method for genomic fingerprinting of V. cholerae based on long-range PCR. The method uses a primer set directed to enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences, a high-fidelity DNA polymerase, and analysis via conventional agarose gel electrophoresis. Long (\~{}10 kb), highly reproducible amplicons were generated from V. cholerae isolates, including those from different geographical locations and historical strains isolated during the period 1931-2000. The amplicons yielded reduced variability in their densitometric band patterns to <=10\% and clonal distinction at <90\% similarity. Rapid band-matching analysis was accomplished for fingerprints with >=90\% similarity, discriminating O serotypes and biotypes (classical versus El Tor) as well as pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains. Compared to genome similarity measured by DNA-DNA hybridization, the results showed good correlation (r = 0.7; P < 0.001), with five times less measurement error and without bias. The method permits both phylogenetic inference and clonal differentiation of individual V. cholerae strains, enables robust, high-throughput analysis, and does not require specialized equipment to perform. With access to a curated public database furnished with appropriate analytical software applications, the method should prove useful in large-scale multilaboratory surveys, especially those designed to detect specific pathogens in the natural environment.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.00151-08}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/74/17/5392}, author = {Chokesajjawatee,Nipa and Zo,Young-Gun and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12904, title = {Dual role colonization factors connecting Vibrio cholerae{\textquoteright}s lifestyles in human and aquatic environments open new perspectives for combating infectious diseases}, journal = {Current Opinion in Biotechnology}, volume = {19}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/06//}, pages = {254 - 259}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae exhibits two distinctive lifestyles, one inside the milieu of the human intestine and the other in the aquatic environment. Recently, the existence of V. cholerae ligands involved in colonization of both human intestine and environmental chitin surfaces via the same binding specificity has been shown. Such molecules, here named {\textquoteleft}dual role colonization factors (DRCFs){\textquoteright}, are example of a tight connection between the two V. cholerae{\textquoteright}s lifestyles. It is suggested that DRCFs and, more generally, bacterial factors and pathways having roles in pathogenesis and in the out of the human body life may be promising targets for development of novel prophylactic or therapeutic interventions that may also affect V. cholerae fitness in its environmental reservoirs.}, isbn = {0958-1669}, doi = {10.1016/j.copbio.2008.04.002}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0958166908000426}, author = {Vezzulli,Luigi and Guzm{\'a}n,Carlos A and Rita R Colwell and Pruzzo,Carla} } @article {12913, title = {Environmental signatures associated with cholera epidemics}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, volume = {105}, year = {2008}, month = {2008///}, pages = {17676 - 17676}, abstract = {The causative agent of cholera, Vibrio cholerae, has been shown to be autochthonous to riverine, estuarine, and coastal waters along with its host, the copepod, a significant member of the zooplankton community. Temperature, salinity, rainfall and plankton have proven to be important factors in the ecology of V. cholerae, influencing the transmission of the disease in those regions of the world where the human population relies on untreated water as a source of drinking water. In this study, the pattern of cholera outbreaks during 1998{\textendash}2006 in Kolkata, India, and Matlab, Bangladesh, and the earth observation data were analyzed with the objective of developing a prediction model for cholera. Satellite sensors were used to measure chlorophyll a concentration (CHL) and sea surface temperature (SST). In addition, rainfall data were obtained from both satellite and in situ gauge measurements. From the analyses, a statistically significant relationship between the time series for cholera in Kolkata, India, and CHL and rainfall anomalies was determined. A statistically significant one month lag was observed between CHL anomaly and number of cholera cases in Matlab, Bangladesh. From the results of the study, it is concluded that ocean and climate patterns are useful predictors of cholera epidemics, with the dynamics of endemic cholera being related to climate and/or changes in the aquatic ecosystem. When the ecology of V. cholerae is considered in predictive models, a robust early warning system for cholera in endemic regions of the world can be developed for public health planning and decision making.ecology epidemiology microbiology remote sensing }, isbn = {0027-8424, 1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.0809654105}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/content/105/46/17676}, author = {Constantin de Magny,G. and Murtugudde,R. and Sapiano,M. R. P. and Nizam,A. and Brown,C. W. and Busalacchi,A. J. and Yunus,M. and Nair,G. B. and Gil,A. I. and Lanata,C. F. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12908, title = {Environmental Vibrio spp., isolated in Mozambique, contain a polymorphic group of integrative conjugative elements and class 1 integrons}, journal = {FEMS Microbiology Ecology}, volume = {64}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/04/01/}, pages = {45 - 54}, abstract = {Circulation of mobile genetic elements linked to drug resistance spread was studied in Vibrio strains isolated from surface urban water (river and sea) and shellfish samples in 2002{\textendash}2003 in Maputo, Mozambique. Class 1 integrons and integrating conjugative elements (ICE) were investigated by PCR and mating experiments in strains of major health interest: 10 Vibrio cholerae, six Vibrio parahaemolyticus, two Vibrio alginolyticus and one Vibrio fluvialis. Resistance to at least two antibiotics (predominantly β-lactams) was detected in all the strains, with additional resistances to sulfamethoxazole, spectinomycin, streptomycin and/or trimethoprim. Class 1 integrons contributed partially to the expression of drug resistance and were found in five isolates: four V. cholerae (blaP1 cassette, one strain also contained the dfrA15 cassette) and one V. alginolyticus (aadA2 cassette). ICEs, apparently devoid of resistance genes, were found in eight V. cholerae, three V. parahaemolyticus and one V. fluvialis isolates. A wide variability was observed by molecular characterization of ICEs. Five ICEs were included in the SXT/R391 family and seven ICEs were not classified. Our results indicate that the SXT/R391 family and related ICEs comprise a large class of polymorphic genetic elements widely circulating in environmental Vibrio strains in Africa, beside those evidently linked to drug resistance in clinical isolates.}, keywords = {ICE, integron, Mozambique, Vibrio}, isbn = {1574-6941}, doi = {10.1111/j.1574-6941.2008.00455.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1574-6941.2008.00455.x/full}, author = {Taviani,Elisa and Ceccarelli,Daniela and Lazaro,Nivalda and Bani,Stefania and Cappuccinelli,Piero and Rita R Colwell and Colombo,Mauro M.} } @article {12903, title = {Global impact of Vibrio cholerae interactions with chitin}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology}, volume = {10}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/06/01/}, pages = {1400 - 1410}, abstract = {The interaction of Vibrio cholerae with chitin exemplifies for microbial ecology a successful bacteria{\textendash}substrate interaction with complex and significant influence on the lifestyle of the bacterium. Chitin is one of the most abundant polymers on earth and possibly the most abundant in the aquatic environment, where its association with V.~cholerae has provided the microorganism with a number of advantages, including food availability, adaptation to environmental nutrient gradients, tolerance to stress and protection from predators. Emergent properties of V.~cholerae{\textendash}chitin interactions occur at multiple hierarchical levels in the environment and include cell metabolic and physiological responses e.g. chemotaxis, cell multiplication, induction of competence, biofilm formation, commensal and symbiotic relationship with higher organisms, cycling of nutrients, and pathogenicity for humans and aquatic animals. As factors mediating virulence of V.~cholerae for humans and aquatic animals derive from mechanisms of adaptation to its environment, at different levels of hierarchical scale, V.~cholerae interactions with chitin represent a useful model for examination of the role of primary habitat selection in the development of traits that have been identified as virulence factors in human disease.}, isbn = {1462-2920}, doi = {10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01559.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01559.x/full}, author = {Pruzzo,Carla and Vezzulli,Luigi and Rita R Colwell} } @inbook {12915, title = {The marine environment and human health: the cholera model}, booktitle = {Global Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: Understanding the Contributions to Infectious Disease EmergenceGlobal Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: Understanding the Contributions to Infectious Disease Emergence}, year = {2008}, month = {2008///}, publisher = {National Academies Press}, organization = {National Academies Press}, isbn = {9780309124027}, author = {Rita R Colwell}, editor = {Relman,David} } @article {12900, title = {New records of phytoplankton for Bangladesh. 2. Cryptophyceae and Synurophyceae}, journal = {Bangladesh Journal of Botany}, volume = {36}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/11/05/}, abstract = {This study presents two species of Rhodomonas, four species of Chroomonas, six species of Cryptomonas and Cryptochrysis minor, Cyanomonas coeruleus, Chrysodidymus synuroideus and Mallomonas akrokomos. These species have been reported from some ponds of Mathbaria in Pirojpur and Bakerganj of Barisal district in Bangladesh.}, isbn = {0253-5416}, doi = {10.3329/bjb.v36i1.1549}, url = {http://www.banglajol.info/bd/index.php/BJB/article/viewArticle/1549}, author = {Khondker,Moniruzzaman and Bhuiyan,Rauf Ahmed and Yeasmin,Jenat and Alam,Munirul and Sack,R. Bradley and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12902, title = {New records of phytoplankton for Bangladesh. 5. Euglena, Euglenocapsa}, journal = {Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy}, volume = {15}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/06/16/}, abstract = {This study presents 20 taxa of the genus Euglena and one species of the rare euglenoid genus Euglenocapsa. All these taxa are reported for the first time from some pond ecosystems of Mathbaria in Pirojpur and Bakerganj of Barisal districts of Bangladesh.}, isbn = {1028-2092}, doi = {10.3329/bjpt.v15i1.910}, url = {http://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BJPT/article/viewArticle/910}, author = {Khondker,Moniruzzaman and Bhuiyan,Rauf Ahmed and Yeasmin,Jenat and Alam,Munirul and Sack,R. Bradley and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12899, title = {New records of phytoplankton for Bangladesh. 7. Phacus spp.}, journal = {Bangladesh Journal of Botany}, volume = {37}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/11/05/}, abstract = {Thirteen species of Phacus hitherto not reported from Bangladesh have been described and illustrated. Freshwater ponds at southern districts of Pirojpur and Barisal revealed these presence of the species.}, isbn = {0253-5416}, doi = {10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1564}, url = {http://www.banglajol.info/bd/index.php/BJB/article/viewArticle/1564}, author = {Khondker,Moniruzzaman and Bhuiyan,Rauf Ahmed and Yeasmin,Jenat and Alam,Munirul and Sack,R. Bradley and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12897, title = {New records of phytoplankton for Bangladesh. 8. Trachelomonas Ehr. (Euglenophyceae)}, journal = {Bangladesh Journal of Botany}, volume = {37}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/12/19/}, abstract = {Investigation of pelagic plankton communities from some freshwater ponds of Pirojpur and Barisal districts revealed the presence of 17 species under the genus Trachelomonas Ehr. for the first time in Bangladesh.}, isbn = {0253-5416}, doi = {10.3329/bjb.v37i2.1719}, url = {http://www.banglajol.info/bd/index.php/BJB/article/viewArticle/1719}, author = {Khondker,Moniruzzaman and Bhuiyan,Rauf Ahmed and Yeasmin,Jenat and Alam,Munirul and Sack,R. Bradley and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12910, title = {Occurrence and Expression of Luminescence in Vibrio Cholerae}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {74}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/02/01/}, pages = {708 - 715}, abstract = {Several species of the genus Vibrio, including Vibrio cholerae, are bioluminescent or contain bioluminescent strains. Previous studies have reported that only 10\% of V. cholerae strains are luminescent. Analysis of 224 isolates of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae collected from Chesapeake Bay, MD, revealed that 52\% (116/224) were luminescent when an improved assay method was employed and 58\% (130/224) of isolates harbored the luxA gene. In contrast, 334 non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae strains isolated from two rural provinces in Bangladesh yielded only 21 (6.3\%) luminescent and 35 (10.5\%) luxA+ isolates. An additional 270 clinical and environmental isolates of V. cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 were tested, and none were luminescent or harbored luxA. These results indicate that bioluminescence may be a trait specific for non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae strains that frequently occur in certain environments. Luminescence expression patterns of V. cholerae were also investigated, and isolates could be grouped based on expression level. Several strains with defective expression of the lux operon, including natural K variants, were identified.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.01537-07}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/74/3/708}, author = {Grim,Christopher J. and Taviani,Elisa and Alam,Munirul and Huq,Anwar and Sack,R. Bradley and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12907, title = {Seasonal Cholera from Multiple Small Outbreaks, Rural Bangladesh}, journal = {Emerging Infectious DiseasesEmerg Infect Dis}, volume = {14}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/05//}, pages = {831 - 833}, abstract = {Clinical and environmental Vibrio cholerae organisms collected from February 2004 through April 2005 were systematically isolated from 2 rural Bangladeshi locales. Their genetic relatedness was evaluated at 5 loci that contained a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR). The observed minimal overlap in VNTR patterns between the 2 communities was consistent with sequential, small outbreaks from local sources.}, isbn = {1080-6040}, doi = {10.3201/eid1405.071116}, author = {Stine,O. Colin and Alam,Munirul and Tang,Li and Nair,G. Balakrish and Siddique,A. Kasem and Faruque,Shah M. and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell and Sack,R. Bradley and Morris,J. Glenn} } @article {12914, title = {Silent Sputnik}, journal = {BioScience}, volume = {58}, year = {2008}, month = {2008///}, pages = {3 - 3}, isbn = {0006-3568}, doi = {10.1641/B580101}, url = {http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1641/B580101}, author = {Rita R Colwell} } @article {12911, title = {A simple binomial test for estimating sequencing errors in public repository 16S rRNA sequences}, journal = {Journal of Microbiological Methods}, volume = {72}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/02//}, pages = {166 - 179}, abstract = {Sequences in public databases may contain a number of sequencing errors. A double binomial model describing the distribution of indel-excluded similarity coefficients (S) among repeatedly sequenced 16S rRNA was previously developed and it produced a confidence interval of S useful for testing sequence identity among sequences of 400-bp length. We characterized patterns in sequencing errors found in nearly complete 16S rRNA sequences of Vibrionaceae as highly variable in reported sequence length and containing a small number of indels. To accommodate these characteristics, a simple binomial model for distribution of the similarity coefficient (H) that included indels was derived from the double binomial model for S. The model showed good fit to empirical data. By using either a pre-determined or bootstrapping estimated standard probability of base matching, we were able to use the exact binomial test to determine the relative level of sequencing error for a given pair of duplicated sequences. A limitation of the method is the requirement that duplicated sequences for the same template sequence be paired, but this can be overcome by using only conserved regions of 16S rRNA sequences and pairing a given sequence with its highest scoring BLAST search hit from the nr database of GenBank.}, keywords = {16S rRNA, Binomial model, Sequence similarity coefficient, Sequencing error, SSU rRNA}, isbn = {0167-7012}, doi = {10.1016/j.mimet.2007.11.013}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167701207003910}, author = {Zo,Young-Gun and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12912, title = {Transesterification activity of a novel lipase from Acinetobacter venetianus RAG-1}, journal = {Antonie van Leeuwenhoek}, volume = {94}, year = {2008}, month = {2008///}, pages = {621 - 625}, abstract = {Transesterification activity and the industrial potential of a novel lipase prepared from Acinetobacter ventiatus RAG-1 were evaluated. Purified lipase samples were dialyzed against pH 9.0 buffer in a single optimization step prior to lyophilization. The enzyme and organic phase were pre-equilibrated (separately) to the same thermodynamic water activities (a w) ranging from a w 0.33 to 0.97. Production of 1-octyl butyrate by lipase-catalyzed transesterification of vinyl butyrate with 1-octanol in hexane was monitored by gas chromatography. Production of 1-octyl butyrate and initial rate of reaction depended on water activity. Product synthesis and rate of transesterification increased sharply with increase from a w 0.33 to 0.55. Highest product concentration (218 mM) and rate of reaction (18.7 μmol h-1 {\textperiodcentered} 10 μg protein) were measured at a w 0.86. Transesterification activity in hexane represented 32\% of comparable hydrolytic activity in aqueous buffer.}, doi = {10.1007/s10482-008-9276-5}, author = {Snellman,E. A. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12909, title = {Vibrio cholerae non-O1, non-O139 strains isolated before 1992 from Varanasi, India are multiple drug resistant, contain intSXT, dfr18 and aadA5 genes}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology}, volume = {10}, year = {2008}, month = {2008/04/01/}, pages = {866 - 873}, abstract = {In this study, we report the presence of the SXT element and Class I integron in Vibrio cholerae non-O1, non-O139 strains isolated from Varanasi, India. Isolates were resistant to cotrimoxazole, trimethoprim and/or streptomycin, furazolidone and ampicillin. None contained plasmids. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing revealed the presence of antibiotic resistance gene cassettes, aadA1, aadA2, aadA5 and dfrA15, in the Class I integron and SXT, an integrative conjugative element containing dfr18, sulII and strAB, in three and six of the isolates respectively. Conjugation experiments, followed by PCR analysis of transconjugants, provided evidence for the transferable nature of intSXT and associated antibiotic resistance gene cassettes. This is the first report of the occurrence of SXT ICE, dfr18, sulII, strAB and aadA5 genes in environmental V.~cholerae non-O1, non-O139 strains from Varanasi, India, that had been isolated before 1992.}, isbn = {1462-2920}, doi = {10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01502.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01502.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Mohapatra,Harapriya and Mohapatra,Saswat S. and Mantri,Chinmay K. and Rita R Colwell and Singh,Durg V.} } @article {12916, title = {Association of Vibrio Cholerae O1 El Tor and O139 Bengal with the Copepods Acartia Tonsa and Eurytemora Affinis}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {73}, year = {2007}, month = {2007/12/15/}, pages = {7926 - 7933}, abstract = {The association of Vibrio cholerae with zooplankton has been suggested as an important factor in transmission of human epidemic cholera, and the ability to colonize zooplankton surfaces may play a role in the temporal variation and predominance of the two different serogroups (V. cholerae O1 El Tor and O139) in the aquatic environment. To date, interactions between specific serogroups and species of plankton remain poorly understood. Laboratory microcosm experiments were carried out to compare quantitatively the colonization of two copepod species, Acartia tonsa and Eurytemora affinis, by each of the epidemic serogroups. V. cholerae O1 consistently achieved higher abundances than V. cholerae O139 in colonizing adults of each copepod species as well as the multiple life stages of E. affinis. This difference in colonization may be significant in the general predominance of V. cholerae O1 in cholera epidemics in rural Bangladesh where water supplies are taken directly from the environment.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.01238-07}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/73/24/7926}, author = {Rawlings,Tonya K. and Ruiz,Gregory M. and Rita R Colwell} } @conference {12921, title = {Bridging art and science with creativity support tools}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the 6th ACM SIGCHI conference on Creativity \& cognition}, series = {C\&C {\textquoteright}07}, year = {2007}, month = {2007///}, pages = {309 - 309}, publisher = {ACM}, organization = {ACM}, address = {New York, NY, USA}, isbn = {978-1-59593-712-4}, doi = {10.1145/1254960.1255044}, url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/1254960.1255044}, author = {Shneiderman, Ben and Rita R Colwell and Diamond,Sara and Greenhalgh,Paul and Wulf,William} } @article {12922, title = {Creating a nationwide wireless detection sensor network for chemical, biological and radiological threats}, journal = {Gentag White Paper}, year = {2007}, month = {2007///}, author = {Rita R Colwell and Peeters,J.} } @article {12918, title = {New records of phytoplankton for Bangladesh. 3. Volvocales}, journal = {Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy}, volume = {14}, year = {2007}, month = {2007/12/01/}, abstract = {This study presents 21 species of Chlamydomonas, four species of Carteria, two species of each of Nephroselmis, Pyramidomonas and Scherffelia, and Collodictyon triciliatum, Polytoma minus, Tetrachloridium ? allorgei and Tetraselmis cordiformis. These species have been reported from some ponds of Mathbaria of Pirojpur and Bakerganj of Barisal districts in Bangladesh.}, isbn = {1028-2092}, doi = {10.3329/bjpt.v14i1.518}, url = {http://www.banglajol.info/bd/index.php/BJPT/article/viewArticle/518}, author = {Khondker,Moniruzzaman and Bhuiyan,Rauf Ahmed and Yeasmin,Jenat and Alam,Munirul and Sack,R. Bradley and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12917, title = {New records of phytoplankton for Bangladesh. 4. Chlorococcales}, journal = {Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy}, volume = {14}, year = {2007}, month = {2007/12/02/}, abstract = {This study presents three species from each of Schroederia, Monoraphidium and Ankistrodesmus, two species and one variety of Dictyosphaerium, two varieties of Pediastrum, and Tetraedron arthrodesmiforme var. contorta, Chlorotetraedron polymorphum, Myrmecia aquatica, Oocystis tainoensis, Nephrocytium spirale, Kirchneriella irregularis, Coelastrum indicum and Scenedesmus similagineus. These taxa have been reported from some ponds of Mathbaria of Pirojpur and Bakerganj of Barisal Districts in Bangladesh.}, isbn = {1028-2092}, doi = {10.3329/bjpt.v14i2.528}, url = {http://www.banglajol.info/bd/index.php/BJPT/article/viewArticle/528}, author = {Khondker,Moniruzzaman and Bhuiyan,Rauf Ahmed and Yeasim,Jenat and Alam,Munirul and Sack,R. Bradley and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12919, title = {Recovery in culture of viable but nonculturable Vibrio parahaemolyticus: regrowth or resuscitation?}, journal = {The ISME Journal}, volume = {1}, year = {2007}, month = {2007/05/10/}, pages = {111 - 120}, abstract = {The objective of this study was to explore the recovery of culturability of viable but nonculturable (VBNC) Vibrio parahaemolyticus after temperature upshift and to determine whether regrowth or resuscitation occurred. A clinical strain of V. parahaemolyticus Vp5 was rendered VBNC by exposure to artificial seawater (ASW) at 4{\textdegree}C. Aliquots of the ASW suspension of cells (0.1, 1 and 10 ml) were subjected to increased temperatures of 20{\textdegree}C and 37{\textdegree}C. Culturability of the cells in the aliquots was monitored for colony formation on a rich medium and changes in morphology were measured by scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. Samples of VBNC cells were fixed and examined by SEM, revealing a heterogeneous population comprising small cells and larger, flattened cells. Forty-eight hours after temperature upshift to 20{\textdegree}C or 37{\textdegree}C, both elongation and division by binary fission of the cells were observed, employing SEM and TEM, but only in the 10-ml aliquots. The results suggest that a portion of VBNC cells is able to undergo cell division. It is concluded that a portion of VBNC cells of V. parahaemolyticus subjected to cold temperatures remain viable. After temperature upshift, regrowth of those cells, rather than resuscitation of all bacteria of the initial inoculum, appears to be responsible for recovery of culturability of VBNC cells of V. parahaemolyticus. Nutrient in filtrates of VBNC cells is hypothesized to allow growth of the temperature-responsive cells, with cell division occurring via binary fission, but also including an atypical, asymmetric cell division.}, keywords = {ecophysiology, ecosystems, environmental biotechnology, geomicrobiology, ISME J, microbe interactions, microbial communities, microbial ecology, microbial engineering, microbial epidemiology, microbial genomics, microorganisms}, isbn = {1751-7362}, doi = {10.1038/ismej.2007.1}, url = {http://www.nature.com/ismej/journal/v1/n2/full/ismej20071a.html}, author = {Coutard,Fran|[ccedil]|ois and Crassous,Philippe and Droguet,Micka|[euml]|l and Gobin,Eric and Rita R Colwell and Pommepuy,Monique and Hervio-Heath,Dominique} } @article {12920, title = {Ultrastructure of coccoid viable but non-culturable Vibrio cholerae}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology}, volume = {9}, year = {2007}, month = {2007/02/01/}, pages = {393 - 402}, abstract = {Morphology of viable but non-culturable Vibrio cholerae was monitored for 2~years by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Morphological changes included very small coccoid forms, after extended incubation at 4{\textdegree}C and room temperature, and sequential transformation from curved rods to irregular (\~{}1~μm) rods to \~{}0.8~μm coccoid cells and, ultimately, to tiny coccoid forms (0.07{\textendash}0.4~μm). Irregular rod-shaped and coccoid cells were equally distributed in microcosms during the first 30{\textendash}60~days of incubation at both temperatures, but only coccoid cells were observed after incubation for 60~days at 4{\textdegree}C. When V.~cholerae O1 and O139, maintained for 30{\textendash}60~days at both temperatures, were heated to 45{\textdegree}C for 60~s, after serial passage through 0.45~μm and 0.1~μm filters, and plating on Luria{\textendash}Bertania (LB) agar, only cells larger than 1~μm yielded colonies on LB agar. Approximately 0.1\% of heat-treated cultures were culturable. Cell division in the smallest coccoid cells was observed, yielding daughter cells of equal size, whereas other coccoid cells revealed bleb-like, cell wall evagination, followed by transfer of nuclear material. Coccoid cells of V.~cholerae O1 and O139 incubated at 4{\textdegree}C for more than 1~year remained substrate responsive and antigenic.}, isbn = {1462-2920}, doi = {10.1111/j.1462-2920.2006.01150.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1462-2920.2006.01150.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Chaiyanan,Saipin and Chaiyanan,Sitthipan and Grim,Christopher and Maugel,Timothy and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12923, title = {Viable but nonculturable Vibrio cholerae O1 in biofilms in the aquatic environment and their role in cholera transmission}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, volume = {104}, year = {2007}, month = {2007///}, pages = {17801 - 17801}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae persists in aquatic environments predominantly in a nonculturable state. In this study coccoid, nonculturable V. cholerae O1 in biofilms maintained for 495 days in Mathbaria, Bangladesh, pond water became culturable upon animal passage. Culturability, biofilm formation, and the wbe, ctxA, and rstR2 genes were monitored by culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA), and multiplex PCR. DFA counts were not possible after formation of biofilm. Furthermore, wbe, but not ctxA, were amplifiable, even after incubation for 54 and 68 days at room temperature (≈25{\textdegree}C) and 4{\textdegree}C, respectively, when no growth was detectable. Slower biofilm formation and extended culturability were observed for cultures incubated at 4{\textdegree}C, compared with ≈25{\textdegree}C, suggesting biofilm production to be temperature dependent and linked to loss of culturability. Small colonies appearing after incubation in microcosms for 54 and 68 days at 25{\textdegree}C and 4{\textdegree}C, respectively, were wbe positive and ctxA and rstR2 negative, indicating loss of bacteriophage CTXΦ. The coccoid V. cholerae O1 observed as free cells in microcosms incubated for 495 days could not be cultured, but biofilms in the same microcosms yielded culturable cells. It is concluded that biofilms can act as a reservoir for V. cholerae O1 between epidemics because of its long-term viability in biofilms. In contrast to biofilms produced in Mathbaria pond water, V. cholerae O1 in biofilms present in cholera stools and incubated under identical conditions as the Mathbaria pond water biofilms could not be cultured after 2 months, indicating that those V. cholerae cells freshly discharged into the environment are significantly less robust than cells adapted to environmental conditions.Bangladesh bacteriophage CTXΦ DFA multiplex-PCR ctxA }, isbn = {0027-8424, 1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.0705599104}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/content/104/45/17801}, author = {Alam,M. and Sultana,M. and Nair,G. B. and Siddique,A. K. and Hasan,N. A. and Sack,R. B. and Sack,D. A. and Ahmed,K. U. and Sadique,A. and Watanabe,H. and Rita R Colwell} } @inbook {12925, title = {Detection, Isolation, and Identification of Vibrio cholerae from the Environment}, booktitle = {Current Protocols in MicrobiologyCurrent Protocols in Microbiology}, year = {2006}, month = {2006/09/01/}, pages = {6A.5.1-6A.5.38 - 6A.5.1-6A.5.38}, publisher = {John Wiley \& Sons, Inc.}, organization = {John Wiley \& Sons, Inc.}, keywords = {culturable, DETECTION, Environment, identification, isolation, nonculturable, viable, Vibrio cholerae}, isbn = {9780471729259}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9780471729259.mc06a05s02/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Huq,Anwar and Grim,Christopher and Rita R Colwell and Nair,G. Balakrish} } @article {12930, title = {Effect of transport at ambient temperature on detection and isolation of Vibrio cholerae from environmental samples}, journal = {Applied and environmental microbiology}, volume = {72}, year = {2006}, month = {2006///}, pages = {2185 - 2190}, abstract = {It has long been assumed that prolonged holding of environmental samples at the ambient air temperature prior to bacteriological analysis is detrimental to isolation and detection of Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of pandemic cholera. The present study was aimed at understanding the effect of transporting environmental samples at the ambient air temperature on isolation and enumeration of V. cholerae. For water and plankton samples held at ambient temperatures ranging from 31{\textdegree}C to 35{\textdegree}C for 20 h, the total counts did not increase significantly but the number of culturable V. cholerae increased significantly compared to samples processed within 1 h of collection, as measured by culture, acridine orange direct count, direct fluorescent-antibody-direct viable count (DFA-DVC), and multiplex PCR analyses. For total coliform counts, total bacterial counts, and DFA-DVC counts, the numbers did not increase significantly, but the culturable plate counts for V. cholerae increased significantly after samples were held at the ambient temperature during transport to the laboratory for analysis. An increase in the recovery of V. cholerae O1 and improved detection of V. cholerae O1 rfb and ctxA also occurred when samples were enriched after they were kept for 20 h at the ambient temperature during transport. Improved detection and isolation of toxigenic V. cholerae from freshwater ecosystems can be achieved by holding samples at the ambient temperature, an observation that has significant implications for tracking this pathogen in diverse aquatic environments.}, author = {Alam,M. and Sadique,A. and Bhuiyan,N. A. and Nair,G. B. and Siddique,A. K. and Sack,D. A. and Ahsan,S. and Huq,A. and Sack,R. B. and Rita R Colwell and others} } @conference {12928, title = {Microbial diversity in the era of genomics}, booktitle = {SYMPOSIA-SOCIETY FOR GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY}, volume = {66}, year = {2006}, month = {2006///}, pages = {1 - 1}, author = {Rita R Colwell} } @book {12929, title = {Oceans And Health: Pathogens In The Marine Environment}, year = {2006}, month = {2006///}, publisher = {Springer}, organization = {Springer}, abstract = {The release of non-disinfected wastewaters into the marine environment is a common worldwide practice, in under-developed as well as in highly developed countries. Consequently, the seas are constantly infused with wastewater bacteria, among them highly pathogenic ones. In view of the public health significance of this phenomenon, it is surprising how little is actually known concerning the fate of such bacteria once they enter the sea. While numerous studies have addressed the effects of various environmental parameters on colony formation, many of them actually ignore the fact that bacteria can retain viability and infectivity while losing colony-forming ability. Only in recent years have efforts also been directed at unraveling the mechanisms determining bacterial sensitivity or survival under these conditions. This, therefore, is one subject of Oceans and Health: Pathogens in the Marine Environment: the survival, infectivity, pathogenicity and viability of enteric bacteria in the sea. Chapters also detail the public health aspects of wastewater release, civil engineering and economic considerations, other sources of pathogens, and much more.}, keywords = {Electronic books, Marine microbiology, Medical / Epidemiology, Medical / Microbiology, Nature / Animals / Marine Life, Pathogenic microorganisms, Science / Environmental Science, Science / Life Sciences / Biology, Science / Life Sciences / Marine Biology, Science / Life Sciences / Microbiology, Seawater/ microbiology}, isbn = {9780387237084}, author = {Belkin,Shimshon and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12926, title = {Seasonal Cholera Caused by Vibrio Cholerae Serogroups O1 and O139 in the Coastal Aquatic Environment of Bangladesh}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {72}, year = {2006}, month = {2006/06/01/}, pages = {4096 - 4104}, abstract = {Since Vibrio cholerae O139 first appeared in 1992, both O1 El Tor and O139 have been recognized as the epidemic serogroups, although their geographic distribution, endemicity, and reservoir are not fully understood. To address this lack of information, a study of the epidemiology and ecology of V. cholerae O1 and O139 was carried out in two coastal areas, Bakerganj and Mathbaria, Bangladesh, where cholera occurs seasonally. The results of a biweekly clinical study (January 2004 to May 2005), employing culture methods, and of an ecological study (monthly in Bakerganj and biweekly in Mathbaria from March 2004 to May 2005), employing direct and enrichment culture, colony blot hybridization, and direct fluorescent-antibody methods, showed that cholera is endemic in both Bakerganj and Mathbaria and that V. cholerae O1, O139, and non-O1/non-O139 are autochthonous to the aquatic environment. Although V. cholerae O1 and O139 were isolated from both areas, most noteworthy was the isolation of V. cholerae O139 in March, July, and September 2004 in Mathbaria, where seasonal cholera was clinically linked only to V. cholerae O1. In Mathbaria, V. cholerae O139 emerged as the sole cause of a significant outbreak of cholera in March 2005. V. cholerae O1 reemerged clinically in April 2005 and established dominance over V. cholerae O139, continuing to cause cholera in Mathbaria. In conclusion, the epidemic potential and coastal aquatic reservoir for V. cholerae O139 have been demonstrated. Based on the results of this study, the coastal ecosystem of the Bay of Bengal is concluded to be a significant reservoir for the epidemic serogroups of V. cholerae.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.00066-06}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/72/6/4096}, author = {Alam,Munirul and Hasan,Nur A. and Sadique,Abdus and Bhuiyan,N. A. and Ahmed,Kabir U. and Nusrin,Suraia and Nair,G. Balakrish and Siddique,A. K. and Sack,R. Bradley and Sack,David A. and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12924, title = {Septaplex PCR assay for rapid identification of Vibrio cholerae including detection of virulence and int SXT genes}, journal = {FEMS Microbiology Letters}, volume = {265}, year = {2006}, month = {2006/12/01/}, pages = {208 - 214}, abstract = {In this study, we describe a septaplex PCR assay for rapid identification of Vibrio cholerae including detection of the virulence and intsxt genes. Conditions were optimized to amplify fragments of ISRrRNA (encoding for 16S{\textendash}23S rRNA gene, Intergenic spacer regions), O1rfb (O1 serogroup specific rfb), O139rfb (O139 serogroup specific rfb), ctxA (cholera toxin subunit A), tcpA (toxin coregulated pilus), and intsxt (sxt integron) simultaneously in a single PCR. The septaplex PCR was evaluated using 211 strains of V. cholerae and six water samples for in situ testing. PCR results were correlated with genotype data obtained by individual PCR and slot-blot assays. The one-step PCR described here can be used to identify V. cholerae accurately and rapidly. Also, the virulence and intsxt genes can be simultaneously detected, providing a useful method for monitoring pathogenic, intsxt-positive and nonpathogenic, intsxt-negative V. cholerae serogroups both in the environment and clinical settings.}, keywords = {DETECTION, intsxt, septaplex PCR, Vibrio cholerae, virulence}, isbn = {1574-6968}, doi = {10.1111/j.1574-6968.2006.00491.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1574-6968.2006.00491.x/full}, author = {Mantri,Chinmay K. and Mohapatra,Saswat S. and Ramamurthy,Thandavarayan and Ghosh,Raikamal and Rita R Colwell and Singh,Durg V.} } @article {12927, title = {Toxigenic Vibrio Cholerae in the Aquatic Environment of Mathbaria, Bangladesh}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {72}, year = {2006}, month = {2006/04/01/}, pages = {2849 - 2855}, abstract = {Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae, rarely isolated from the aquatic environment between cholera epidemics, can be detected in what is now understood to be a dormant stage, i.e., viable but nonculturable when standard bacteriological methods are used. In the research reported here, biofilms have proved to be a source of culturable V. cholerae, even in nonepidemic periods. Biweekly environmental surveillance for V. cholerae was carried out in Mathbaria, an area of cholera endemicity adjacent to the Bay of Bengal, with the focus on V. cholerae O1 and O139 Bengal. A total of 297 samples of water, phytoplankton, and zooplankton were collected between March and December 2004, yielding eight V. cholerae O1 and four O139 Bengal isolates. A combination of culture methods, multiplex-PCR, and direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) counting revealed the Mathbaria aquatic environment to be a reservoir for V. cholerae O1 and O139 Bengal. DFA results showed significant clumping of the bacteria during the interepidemic period for cholera, and the fluorescent micrographs revealed large numbers of V. cholerae O1 in thin films of exopolysaccharides (biofilm). A similar clumping of V. cholerae O1 was also observed in samples collected from Matlab, Bangladesh, where cholera also is endemic. Thus, the results of the study provided in situ evidence for V. cholerae O1 and O139 in the aquatic environment, predominantly as viable but nonculturable cells and culturable cells in biofilm consortia. The biofilm community is concluded to be an additional reservoir of cholera bacteria in the aquatic environment between seasonal epidemics of cholera in Bangladesh.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.72.4.2849-2855.2006}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/72/4/2849}, author = {Alam,Munirul and Sultana,Marzia and Nair,G. Balakrish and Sack,R. Bradley and Sack,David A. and Siddique,A. K. and Ali,Afsar and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12935, title = {Cholera: the killer from the deep}, journal = {The Biochemist}, year = {2005}, month = {2005///}, abstract = {The current international attention to the importance ofcombating infectious diseases can provide the opportunity for a multidisciplinary approach that joins medicine with many other scientific and technological disciplines. Science and technology are major forces that have the potential to balance the world{\textquoteright}s inequities. The connection between cholera and the environment provides a paradigm for this perspective. }, author = {Rita R Colwell} } @article {12931, title = {Critical Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Vibrio Cholerae in the Environment of Bangladesh}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {71}, year = {2005}, month = {2005/08/01/}, pages = {4645 - 4654}, abstract = {The occurrence of outbreaks of cholera in Africa in 1970 and in Latin America in 1991, mainly in coastal communities, and the appearance of the new serotype Vibrio cholerae O139 in India and subsequently in Bangladesh have stimulated efforts to understand environmental factors influencing the growth and geographic distribution of epidemic Vibrio cholerae serotypes. Because of the severity of recent epidemics, cholera is now being considered by some infectious disease investigators as a {\textquotedblleft}reemerging{\textquotedblright} disease, prompting new work on the ecology of vibrios. Epidemiological and ecological surveillance for cholera has been under way in four rural, geographically separated locations in Bangladesh for the past 4 years, during which both clinical and environmental samples were collected at biweekly intervals. The clinical epidemiology portion of the research has been published (Sack et al., J. Infect. Dis. 187:96-101, 2003). The results of environmental sampling and analysis of the environmental and clinical data have revealed significant correlations of water temperature, water depth, rainfall, conductivity, and copepod counts with the occurrence of cholera toxin-producing bacteria (presumably V. cholerae). The lag periods between increases or decreases in units of factors, such as temperature and salinity, and occurrence of cholera correlate with biological parameters, e.g., plankton population blooms. The new information on the ecology of V. cholerae is proving useful in developing environmental models for the prediction of cholera epidemics.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.71.8.4645-4654.2005}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/71/8/4645}, author = {Huq,Anwar and Sack,R. Bradley and Nizam,Azhar and Longini,Ira M. and Nair,G. Balakrish and Ali,Afsar and Morris,J. Glenn and Khan,M. N. Huda and Siddique,A. Kasem and Yunus,Mohammed and Albert,M. John and Sack,David A. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12934, title = {Global microbial ecology of Vibrio cholerae}, journal = {Oceans and health: pathogens in the marine environment}, year = {2005}, month = {2005///}, pages = {297 - 305}, abstract = {The disease cholera can no longer be considered a simple equation of bacteria and human host, but represents a complex network that includes global weather patterns, aquatic reservoirs, phages, zooplankton, collective behavior of surface-attached cells, an adaptable genome, and the deep sea inter alia. This interesting characterization emerges from a view of biological systems termed biocomplexity (Colwell, 2002a, b). The holistic approach to understanding cholera integrates contributions from experts in many fields, with multiple points of view, in models for prediction, prevention, and treatment of the disease that Vibrio cholerae causes. The spiral form shown in Figure 12.1 symbolizes the nonlinear manner in which the many parts of such a model interact. It also shows that these interactions often occur across many different scales.}, doi = {10.1007/0-387-23709-7_12}, author = {Rita R Colwell} } @article {12933, title = {Pathogenic Vibrio species in the marine and estuarine environment}, journal = {Oceans and health: pathogens in the marine environment}, year = {2005}, month = {2005///}, pages = {217 - 252}, abstract = {The genus Vibrio includes more than 30 species, at least 12 of which are pathogenic to humans and/or have been associated with foodborne diseases (Chakraborty et al., 1997). Among these species, Vibrio cholerae, serogroups O1 and O139, are the most important, since they are associated with epidemic and pandemic diarrhea outbreaks in many parts of the world (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1995; Kaper et al., 1995). However, other species of vibrios capable of causing diarrheal disease in humans have received greater attention in the last decade. These include Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a leading cause of foodborne disease outbreaks in Japan and Korea (Lee et al., 2001), Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio damsela, Vibrio fluvialis, Vibrio furnissii, Vibrio hollisae, Vibrio metschnikovii, and Vibrio mimicus (Altekruse et al., 2000; H{\o}i et al., 1997). In the USA, Vibrio species have been estimated to be the cause of about 8000 illnesses annually (Mead et al., 1999).}, doi = {10.1007/0-387-23709-7_9}, author = {Pruzzo,C. and Huq,A. and Rita R Colwell and Donelli,G.} } @article {12932, title = {Temperature-Driven Campylobacter Seasonality in England and Wales}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {71}, year = {2005}, month = {2005/01/01/}, pages = {85 - 92}, abstract = {Campylobacter incidence in England and Wales between 1990 and 1999 was examined in conjunction with weather conditions. Over the 10-year interval, the average annual rate was determined to be 78.4 {\textpm} 15.0 cases per 100,000, with an upward trend. Rates were higher in males than in females, regardless of age, and highest in children less than 5 years old. Major regional differences were detected, with the highest rates in Wales and the southwest and the lowest in the southeast. The disease displayed a seasonal pattern, and increased campylobacter rates were found to be correlated with temperature. The most marked seasonal effect was observed for children under the age of 5. The seasonal pattern of campylobacter infections indicated a linkage with environmental factors rather than food sources. Therefore, public health interventions should not be restricted to food-borne approaches, and the epidemiology of the seasonal peak in human campylobacter infections may best be understood through studies in young children.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.71.1.85-92.2005}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/71/1/85}, author = {Louis,Val{\'e}rie R. and Gillespie,Iain A. and O{\textquoteright}Brien,Sarah J. and Russek-Cohen,Estelle and Pearson,Andrew D. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12941, title = {Acinetobacter lipases: molecular biology, biochemical properties and biotechnological potential}, journal = {Journal of industrial microbiology \& biotechnology}, volume = {31}, year = {2004}, month = {2004///}, pages = {391 - 400}, abstract = {Lipases (EC 3.1.1.3) have received increased attention recently, evidenced by the increasing amount of information about lipases in the current literature. The renewed interest in this enzyme class is due primarily to investigations of their role in pathogenesis and their increasing use in biotechnological applications [38]. Also, many microbial lipases are available as commercial products, the majority of which are used in detergents, cosmetic production, food flavoring, and organic synthesis. Lipases are valued biocatalysts because they act under mild conditions, are highly stable in organic solvents, show broad substrate specificity, and usually show high regio- and/or stereo-selectivity in catalysis. A number of lipolytic strains of Acinetobacter have been isolated from a variety of sources and their lipases possess many biochemical properties similar to those that have been developed for biotechnological applications. This review discusses the biology of lipase expression in Acinetobacter, with emphasis on those aspects relevant to potential biotechnology applications.}, doi = {10.1007/s10295-004-0167-0}, author = {Snellman,E. A. and Rita R Colwell} } @inbook {12943, title = {Free-Living to Freewheeling: The Evolution of Vibrio cholerae from Innocence to Infamy}, booktitle = {Infectious Disease and Host-Pathogen EvolutionInfectious Disease and Host-Pathogen Evolution}, year = {2004}, month = {2004///}, pages = {198 - 198}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, organization = {Cambridge University Press}, isbn = {9780521820660}, author = {Rita R Colwell and Faruque,S. M. and Nair,G. B.}, editor = {Dronamraju,Krishna R.} } @article {12937, title = {Infectious disease and environment: cholera as a paradigm for waterborne disease}, journal = {International Microbiology}, volume = {7}, year = {2004}, month = {2004/12//}, pages = {285 - 289}, isbn = {1139-6709}, url = {http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?pid=S1139-67092004000400008\&script=sci_arttext}, author = {Rita R Colwell} } @article {12939, title = {Occurrence and distribution of Vibrio cholerae in the coastal environment of Peru}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology}, volume = {6}, year = {2004}, month = {2004/07/01/}, pages = {699 - 706}, abstract = {The occurrence and distribution of Vibrio cholerae in sea water and plankton along the coast of Peru were studied from October 1997 to June 2000, and included the 1997{\textendash}98 El Ni{\~n}o event. Samples were collected at four sites in coastal waters off Peru at monthly intervals. Of 178 samples collected and tested, V. cholerae O1 was cultured from 10 (5.6\%) samples, and V. cholerae O1 was detected by direct fluorescent antibody assay in 26 out of 159 samples tested (16.4\%). Based on the number of cholera cases reported in Peru from 1997 to 2000, a significant correlation was observed between cholera incidence and elevated sea surface temperature (SST) along the coast of Peru (P~<~0.001). From the results of this study, coastal sea water and zooplankton are concluded to be a reservoir for V. cholerae in Peru. The climate{\textendash}cholera relationship observed for the 1997{\textendash}98 El Ni{\~n}o year suggests that an early warning system for cholera risk can be established for Peru and neighbouring Latin American countries.}, isbn = {1462-2920}, doi = {10.1111/j.1462-2920.2004.00601.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1462-2920.2004.00601.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Gil,Ana I. and Louis,Val{\'e}rie R. and Rivera,Irma N. G. and Lipp,Erin and Huq,Anwar and Lanata,Claudio F. and Taylor,David N. and Russek-Cohen,Estelle and Choopun,Nipa and Sack,R. Bradley and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12938, title = {Pandemic strains of O3:K6 Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the aquatic environment of Bangladesh}, journal = {Canadian Journal of Microbiology}, volume = {50}, year = {2004}, month = {2004/10//}, pages = {827 - 834}, abstract = {A total of 1500 environmental strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, isolated from the aquatic environment of Bangladesh, were screened for the presence of a major V. parahaemolyticus virulence factor, the thermostable direct haemolysin (tdh) gene, by the colony blot hybridization method using a digoxigenin-labeled tdh gene probe. Of 1500 strains, 5 carried the tdh sequence, which was further confirmed by PCR using primers specific for the tdh gene. Examination by PCR confirmed that the 5 strains were V. parahamolyticus and lacked the thermostable direct haemolysin-related haemolysin (trh) gene, the alternative major virulence gene known to be absent in pandemic strains. All 5 strains gave positive Kanagawa phenomenon reaction with characteristic beta-haemolysis on Wagatsuma agar medium. Southern blot analysis of the HindIII-digested chromosomal DNA demonstrated, in all 5 strains, the presence of 2 tdh genes common to strains positive for Kanagawa phenomenon. However, the 5 strains were found to belong to 3 different serotypes (O3:K29, O4:K37, and O3:K6). The 2 with pandemic serotype O3:K6 gave positive results in group-specific PCR and ORF8 PCR assays, characteristics unique to the pandemic clone. Clonal variations among the 5 isolates were analyzed by comparing RAPD and ribotyping patterns. Results showed different patterns for the 3 serotypes, but the pattern was identical among the O3:K6 strains. This is the first report on the isolation of pandemic O3:K6 strains of V. parahaemolyticus from the aquatic environment of Bangladesh.}, url = {http://umd.library.ingentaconnect.com/content/nrc/cjm/2004/00000050/00000010/art00007}, author = {Islam,M. S. and Tasmin,Rizwana and Khan,Sirajul I. s l a m and Bakht,Habibul B. M. and Mahmood,Zahid H. a y a t and Rahman,M. Z. i a u r and Bhuiyan,Nurul A. m i n and Nishibuchi,Mitsuaki and Nair,G. B. a l a k r i s h and Sack,R. B. r a d l e y and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell and Sack,David A.} } @article {12940, title = {Polylysogeny and prophage induction by secondary infection in Vibrio cholerae}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology}, volume = {6}, year = {2004}, month = {2004/07/01/}, pages = {760 - 763}, abstract = {Strains of Vibrio cholerae O1, biotypes El Tor and classical, were infected with a known temperate phage (ΦP15) and monitored over a 15-day period for prophage induction. Over the course of the experiment two morphologically and three genomically distinct virus-like particles were observed from the phage-infected El Tor strain by transmission electron microscopy and field inversion gel electrophoresis, respectively, whereas only one phage, ΦP15, was observed from the infected classical strain. In the uninfected El Tor culture one prophage was spontaneously induced after 6~days. No induction in either strain was observed after treatment with mitomycin C. Data indicate that El Tor biotypes of V. cholerae may be polylysogenic and that secondary infection can promote multiple prophage induction. These traits may be important in the transfer of genetic material among V. cholerae by providing an environmentally relevant route for multiple prophage propagation and transmission.}, isbn = {1462-2920}, doi = {10.1111/j.1462-2920.2004.00603.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1462-2920.2004.00603.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Espeland,Eric M. and Lipp,Erin K. and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @inbook {12944, title = {A Tangled Bank: Reflections on the Tree of Life and Human Health}, booktitle = {Assembling the Tree of LifeAssembling the Tree of Life}, year = {2004}, month = {2004///}, pages = {18 - 18}, publisher = {Oxford University Press}, organization = {Oxford University Press}, isbn = {9780195172348}, author = {Rita R Colwell} } @article {12942, title = {Variation of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 in the aquatic environment of Bangladesh and its correlation with the clinical strains}, journal = {Microbiology and immunology}, volume = {48}, year = {2004}, month = {2004///}, pages = {773 - 777}, author = {Islam,M. S. and Talukder,K. A. and Khan,N. H. and Mahmud,Z. H. and Rahman,M. Z. and Nair,G. B. and Siddique,A. K. M. and Yunus,M. and Sack,D. A. and Sack,R. B. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12936, title = {Viable but Nonculturable Vibrio Cholerae O1 in the Aquatic Environment of Argentina}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {70}, year = {2004}, month = {2004/12/01/}, pages = {7481 - 7486}, abstract = {In Argentina, as in other countries of Latin America, cholera has occurred in an epidemic pattern. Vibrio cholerae O1 is native to the aquatic environment, and it occurs in both culturable and viable but nonculturable (VNC) forms, the latter during interepidemic periods. This is the first report of the presence of VNC V. cholerae O1 in the estuarine and marine waters of the R{\'\i}o de la Plata and the Argentine shelf of the Atlantic Ocean, respectively. Employing immunofluorescence and PCR methods, we were able to detect reservoirs of V. cholerae O1 carrying the virulence-associated genes ctxA and tcpA. The VNC forms of V. cholerae O1 were identified in samples of water, phytoplankton, and zooplankton; the latter organisms were mainly the copepods Acartia tonsa, Diaptomus sp., Paracalanus crassirostris, and Paracalanus parvus. We found that under favorable conditions, the VNC form of V. cholerae can revert to the pathogenic, transmissible state. We concluded that V. cholerae O1 is a resident of Argentinean waters, as has been shown to be the case in other geographic regions of the world.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.70.12.7481-7486.2004}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/70/12/7481}, author = {Binsztein,Norma and Costagliola,Marcela C. and Pichel,Mariana and Jurquiza,Ver{\'o}nica and Ram{\'\i}rez,Fernando C. and Akselman,Rut and Vacchino,Marta and Huq,Anwarul and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12955, title = {A 4-Year Study of the Epidemiology of Vibrio Cholerae in Four Rural Areas of Bangladesh}, journal = {Journal of Infectious DiseasesJ Infect Dis.}, volume = {187}, year = {2003}, month = {2003/01/01/}, pages = {96 - 101}, abstract = {How Vibrio cholerae spreads around the world and what determines its seasonal peaks in endemic areas are not known. These features of cholera have been hypothesized to be primarily the result of environmental factors associated with aquatic habitats that can now be identified. Since 1997, fortnightly surveillance in 4 widely separated geographic locations in Bangladesh has been performed to identify patients with cholera and to collect environmental data. A total of 5670 patients (53\% <5 years of age) have been studied; 14.3\% had cholera (10.4\% due to V. cholerae O1 El Tor, 3.8\% due to O139). Both serogroups were found in all locations; outbreaks were seasonal and often occurred simultaneously. Water-use patterns showed that bathing and washing clothes in tube-well water was significantly protective in two of the sites. These data will be correlated with environmental factors, to develop a model for prediction of cholera outbreaks}, isbn = {0022-1899, 1537-6613}, doi = {10.1086/345865}, url = {http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/187/1/96}, author = {Sack,R. Bradley and Siddique,A. Kasem and Longini,Ira M. and Nizam,Azhar and Yunus,Md and M. Sirajul Islam and Morris,Jr and Ali,Afsar and Huq,Anwar and Nair,G. Balakrish and Qadri,Firdausi and Faruque,Shah M. and Sack,David A. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12956, title = {ANNUAL REVIEW \& FORECAST REPORTS-THE OCEANS: TO PROTECT AND TO PLOW}, journal = {Sea Technology}, volume = {44}, year = {2003}, month = {2003///}, pages = {33 - 34}, author = {Rita R Colwell} } @article {12951, title = {Characterization of a Vibrio cholerae phage isolated from the coastal water of Peru}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology}, volume = {5}, year = {2003}, month = {2003/04/25/}, pages = {350 - 354}, abstract = {A Vibrio cholerae bacteriophage, family Myoviridae, was isolated from seawater collected from the coastal water of Lima, Peru. Genome size was estimated to be 29~kbp. The temperate phage was specific to V. cholerae and infected 12/13 V. cholerae O1 strains and half of the four non-O1/non-O139 strains tested in this study. Vibrio cholerae O139 strains were resistant to infection and highest infection rates were obtained in low nutrient media amended with NaCl or prepared using seawater as diluent.}, isbn = {1462-2920}, doi = {10.1046/j.1462-2920.2003.00411.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1462-2920.2003.00411.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Talledo,Miguel and Rivera,Irma N. G. and Lipp,Erin K. and Neale,Angela and Karaolis,David and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12948, title = {Direct Detection of Vibrio Cholerae and ctxA in Peruvian Coastal Water and Plankton by PCR}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {69}, year = {2003}, month = {2003/06/01/}, pages = {3676 - 3680}, abstract = {Seawater and plankton samples were collected over a period of 17 months from November 1998 to March 2000 along the coast of Peru. Total DNA was extracted from water and from plankton grouped by size into two fractions (64 μm to 202 μm and >202 μm). All samples were assayed for Vibrio cholerae, V. cholerae O1, V. cholerae O139, and ctxA by PCR. Of 50 samples collected and tested, 33 (66.0\%) were positive for V. cholerae in at least one of the three fractions. Of these, 62.5\% (n = 32) contained V. cholerae O1; ctxA was detected in 25\% (n = 20) of the V. cholerae O1-positive samples. None were positive for V. cholerae O139. Thus, PCR was successfully employed in detecting toxigenic V. cholerae directly in seawater and plankton samples and provides evidence for an environmental reservoir for this pathogen in Peruvian coastal waters.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.69.6.3676-3680.2003}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/69/6/3676}, author = {Lipp,Erin K. and Rivera,Irma N. G. and Gil,Ana I. and Espeland,Eric M. and Choopun,Nipa and Louis,Val{\'e}rie R. and Russek-Cohen,Estelle and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12952, title = {Emergence and Evolution of Vibrio Cholerae O139}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesPNAS}, volume = {100}, year = {2003}, month = {2003/02/04/}, pages = {1304 - 1309}, abstract = {The emergence of Vibrio cholerae O139 Bengal during 1992{\textendash}1993 was associated with large epidemics of cholera in India and Bangladesh and, initially, with a total displacement of the existing V. cholerae O1 strains. However, the O1 strains reemerged in 1994 and initiated a series of disappearance and reemergence of either of the two serogroups that was associated with temporal genetic and phenotypic changes sustained by the strains. Since the initial emergence of the O139 vibrios, new variants of the pathogen derived from multiple progenitors have been isolated and characterized. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of these strains have been studied. Rapid genetic reassortment in O139 strains appears to be a response to the changing epidemiology of V. cholerae O1 and also a strategy for persistence in competition with strains of the O1 serogroup. The emergence of V. cholerae O139 has provided a unique opportunity to witness genetic changes in V. cholerae that may be associated with displacement of an existing serogroup by a newly emerging one and, thus, provide new insights into the epidemiology of cholera. The genetic changes and natural selection involving both environmental and host factors are likely to influence profoundly the genetics, epidemiology, and evolution of toxigenic V. cholerae, not only in the Ganges Delta region of India and Bangladesh, but also in other areas of endemic and epidemic cholera.}, isbn = {0027-8424, 1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.0337468100}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/content/100/3/1304}, author = {Faruque,Shah M. and Sack,David A. and Sack,R. Bradley and Rita R Colwell and Takeda,Yoshifumi and Nair,G. Balakrish} } @article {12947, title = {From terabytes to insights}, journal = {Communications of the ACM}, volume = {46}, year = {2003}, month = {2003/07//}, pages = {25 - 27}, abstract = {For scientists and engineers tapping the NSF{\textquoteright}s high-performance cyberinfrastructure, the path to wisdom follows a route both miraculous and familiar.}, isbn = {0001-0782}, doi = {10.1145/792704.792724}, url = {http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/792704.792724}, author = {Rita R Colwell} } @article {12946, title = {Method of DNA extraction and application of multiplex polymerase chain reaction to detect toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 from aquatic ecosystems}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology}, volume = {5}, year = {2003}, month = {2003/07/01/}, pages = {599 - 606}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae is a free-living bacterium found in water and in association with plankton. V. cholerae non-O1/non-O139 strains are frequently isolated from aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Less frequently isolated are V. cholerae O1 and V. cholerae O139, the aetiological agents of cholera. These strains have two main virulence-associated factors, cholera toxin (CT) and toxin co-regulated pilus (TCP). By extracting total DNA from aquatic samples, the presence of pathogenic strains can be determined quickly and used to improve a microbiological risk assessment for cholera in coastal areas. Some methods suggested for DNA extraction from water samples are not applicable to all water types. We describe here a method for DNA extraction from coastal water and a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for O1 and O139 serogroups. DNA extraction was successfully accomplished from 117 sea water samples collected from coastal areas of Per{\'u}, Brazil and the USA. DNA concentration in all samples varied from 20~ng to 480~{\textmu}g~{\textmu}l-1. The sensitivity of the DNA extraction method was 100 V. cholerae cells in 250~ml of water. The specificity of multiplex O1/O139 PCR was investigated by analysing 120 strains of V. cholerae, Vibrio and other Bacteria species. All V. cholerae O1 and O139 tested were positive. For cholera surveillance of aquatic environments and ballast water, total DNA extraction, followed by V. cholerae PCR, and O1/O139 serogroup and tcpA/ctxA genes by multiplex PCR offers an efficient system, permitting risk analysis for cholera in coastal areas.}, isbn = {1462-2920}, doi = {10.1046/j.1462-2920.2003.00443.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1462-2920.2003.00443.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Rivera,Irma N. G. and Lipp,Erin K. and Gil,Ana and Choopun,Nipa and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12954, title = {Pathogenic Potential of Environmental Vibrio Cholerae Strains Carrying Genetic Variants of the Toxin-Coregulated Pilus Pathogenicity Island}, journal = {Infection and ImmunityInfect. Immun.}, volume = {71}, year = {2003}, month = {2003/02/01/}, pages = {1020 - 1025}, abstract = {The major virulence factors of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae are cholera toxin (CT), which is encoded by a lysogenic bacteriophage (CTXΦ), and toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP), an essential colonization factor which is also the receptor for CTXΦ. The genes for the biosynthesis of TCP are part of a larger genetic element known as the TCP pathogenicity island. To assess their pathogenic potential, we analyzed environmental strains of V. cholerae carrying genetic variants of the TCP pathogenicity island for colonization of infant mice, susceptibility to CTXΦ, and diarrheagenicity in adult rabbits. Analysis of 14 environmental strains, including 3 strains carrying a new allele of the tcpA gene, 9 strains carrying a new allele of the toxT gene, and 2 strains carrying conventional tcpA and toxT genes, showed that all strains colonized infant mice with various efficiencies in competition with a control El Tor biotype strain of V. cholerae O1. Five of the 14 strains were susceptible to CTXΦ, and these transductants produced CT and caused diarrhea in adult rabbits. These results suggested that the new alleles of the tcpA and toxT genes found in environmental strains of V. cholerae encode biologically active gene products. Detection of functional homologs of the TCP island genes in environmental strains may have implications for understanding the origin and evolution of virulence genes of V. cholerae.}, isbn = {0019-9567, 1098-5522}, doi = {10.1128/IAI.71.2.1020-1025.2003}, url = {http://iai.asm.org/content/71/2/1020}, author = {Faruque,Shah M. and Kamruzzaman,M. and Meraj,Ismail M. and Chowdhury,Nityananda and Nair,G. Balakrish and Sack,R. Bradley and Rita R Colwell and Sack,David A.} } @article {12945, title = {Persistence of adhesive properties in Vibrio cholerae after long-term exposure to sea water}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology}, volume = {5}, year = {2003}, month = {2003/10/01/}, pages = {850 - 858}, abstract = {The effect of exposure to artificial sea water (ASW) on the ability of classical Vibrio cholerae O1 cells to interact with chitin-containing substrates and human intestinal cells was studied. Incubation of vibrios in ASW at 5{\textdegree}C and 18{\textdegree}C resulted in two kinds of cell responses: the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state (i.e.~<0.1 colony forming unit ml-1) at 5{\textdegree}C, and starvation (i.e. maintenance of culturability of the population) at 18{\textdegree}C. The latter remained rod shaped and, after 40~days{\textquoteright} incubation, presented a 47{\textendash}58\% reduction in the number of cells attached to chitin, a 48{\textendash}53\% reduction in the number of bacteria adhering to copepods, and a 48{\textendash}54\% reduction in the number of bacteria adhering to human cultured intestinal cells, compared to control cells not suspended in ASW. Bacteria suspended in ASW at 5{\textdegree}C became coccoid and, after 40~days, showed 34{\textendash}42\% fewer cells attached to chitin, 52{\textendash}55\% fewer adhering to copep-ods, and 45{\textendash}48\% fewer cells adhering to intestinal cell monolayers, compared to controls. Sarkosyl-insoluble membrane proteins that bind chitin particles were isolated and analysed by SDS-PAGE. After 40~days incubation in ASW at both 5{\textdegree}C and 18{\textdegree}C vibrios expressed chitin-binding ligands similar to bacteria harvested in the stationary growth phase. It is concluded that as vibrios do not lose adhesive properties after long-term exposure to ASW, it is important to include methods for VBNC bacteria when testing environmental and clinical samples for purposes of public health safety.}, isbn = {1462-2920}, doi = {10.1046/j.1462-2920.2003.00498.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1462-2920.2003.00498.x/abstract?userIsAuthenticated=false\&deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=}, author = {Pruzzo,Carla and Tarsi,Renato and Del Mar Lle{\`o},Maria and Signoretto,Caterina and Zampini,Massimiliano and Pane,Luigi and Rita R Colwell and Canepari,Pietro} } @article {12949, title = {Predictability of Vibrio Cholerae in Chesapeake Bay}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {69}, year = {2003}, month = {2003/05/01/}, pages = {2773 - 2785}, abstract = {Vibrio cholerae is autochthonous to natural waters and can pose a health risk when it is consumed via untreated water or contaminated shellfish. The correlation between the occurrence of V. cholerae in Chesapeake Bay and environmental factors was investigated over a 3-year period. Water and plankton samples were collected monthly from five shore sampling sites in northern Chesapeake Bay (January 1998 to February 2000) and from research cruise stations on a north-south transect (summers of 1999 and 2000). Enrichment was used to detect culturable V. cholerae, and 21.1\% (n = 427) of the samples were positive. As determined by serology tests, the isolates, did not belong to serogroup O1 or O139 associated with cholera epidemics. A direct fluorescent-antibody assay was used to detect V. cholerae O1, and 23.8\% (n = 412) of the samples were positive. V. cholerae was more frequently detected during the warmer months and in northern Chesapeake Bay, where the salinity is lower. Statistical models successfully predicted the presence of V. cholerae as a function of water temperature and salinity. Temperatures above 19{\textdegree}C and salinities between 2 and 14 ppt yielded at least a fourfold increase in the number of detectable V. cholerae. The results suggest that salinity variation in Chesapeake Bay or other parameters associated with Susquehanna River inflow contribute to the variability in the occurrence of V. cholerae and that salinity is a useful indicator. Under scenarios of global climate change, increased climate variability, accompanied by higher stream flow rates and warmer temperatures, could favor conditions that increase the occurrence of V. cholerae in Chesapeake Bay.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.69.5.2773-2785.2003}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/69/5/2773}, author = {Louis,Val{\'e}rie R. and Russek-Cohen,Estelle and Choopun,Nipa and Rivera,Irma N. G. and Gangle,Brian and Jiang,Sunny C. and Rubin,Andrea and Patz,Jonathan A. and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12953, title = {Reduction of Cholera in Bangladeshi Villages by Simple Filtration}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesPNAS}, volume = {100}, year = {2003}, month = {2003/02/04/}, pages = {1051 - 1055}, abstract = {Based on results of ecological studies demonstrating that Vibrio cholerae, the etiological agent of epidemic cholera, is commensal to zooplankton, notably copepods, a simple filtration procedure was developed whereby zooplankton, most phytoplankton, and particulates >20 μm were removed from water before use. Effective deployment of this filtration procedure, from September 1999 through July 2002 in 65 villages of rural Bangladesh, of which the total population for the entire study comprised ≈133,000 individuals, yielded a 48\% reduction in cholera (P < 0.005) compared with the control.}, isbn = {0027-8424, 1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.0237386100}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/content/100/3/1051}, author = {Rita R Colwell and Huq,Anwar and M. Sirajul Islam and K. M. A. Aziz and Yunus,M. and N. Huda Khan and A. Mahmud and Sack,R. Bradley and Nair,G. B. and J. Chakraborty and Sack,David A. and E. Russek-Cohen} } @article {12966, title = {Analysis of 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer of Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio mimicus for detection of these species}, journal = {METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY}, volume = {179}, year = {2002}, month = {2002///}, pages = {171 - 178}, doi = {10.1385/1-59259-238-4:171}, author = {Chun,J. and Rivera,I. N. G. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12964, title = {Characterization of Pseudoalteromonas citrea and P. nigrifaciens Isolated from Different Ecological Habitats Based on REP-PCR Genomic Fingerprints}, journal = {Systematic and Applied Microbiology}, volume = {25}, year = {2002}, month = {2002///}, pages = {275 - 283}, abstract = {SummaryDNA primers corresponding to conserved repetitive interspersed genomic motifs and PCR were used to show that REP, ERIC and BOX-like DNA sequences are present in marine, oxidative, Gram-negative Pseudoalteromonas strains. REP, ERIC and BOX-PCR were used for rapid molecular characterization of both the type species of the genus and environmental strains isolated from samples collected in different geographical areas. PCR-generated genomic fingerprint patterns were found to be both complex and strain specific. Analysis of the genotypic structure of phenotypically diverse P. citrea revealed a geographic clustering of Far Eastern brown-pigmented, agar-digesting strains of this species. Marine isolates of P. nigrifaciens with 67{\textendash}70\% DNA relatedness generated genomic patterns different from those of the type strain and formed a separate cluster. It is concluded that REP, ERIC and BOX-PCR are effective in generating strain specific patterns that can be used to elucidate geographic distribution, with these genomic patterns providing a valuable biogeographic criterion. }, keywords = {biogeography, BOX-PCR, ERIC, Pseudoalteromonas, REP}, isbn = {0723-2020}, doi = {10.1078/0723-2020-00103}, url = {http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0723202004701125}, author = {Ivanova,Elena P. and Matte,Glavur R. and Matte,Maria H. and Coenye,Tom and Huq,Anwarul and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12958, title = {Detection of Cytotoxin-Hemolysin mRNA in Nonculturable Populations of Environmental and Clinical Vibrio Vulnificus Strains in Artificial Seawater}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {68}, year = {2002}, month = {2002/11/01/}, pages = {5641 - 5646}, abstract = {The objective of this study was to develop a molecular detection method that better estimates the potential risk associated with the presence of Vibrio vulnificus. For that purpose, we applied seminested reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) to viable but nonculturable (VBNC) populations of V. vulnificus and targeted the cytotoxin-hemolysin virulence gene vvhA. Three strains, two environmental, IF Vv10 and IF Vv18, and one clinical, C7184, were used in this study. Artificial seawater, inoculated with mid-log-phase cells, was maintained at 4{\textdegree}C. VBNC cells resulted after 3, 6, and 14 days for C7184, IF Vv18, and IF Vv10, respectively. Our data indicate that seminested RT-PCR is sensitive for the detection of vvhA mRNA in artificial seawater when exclusively nonculturable bacteria are present. This is the first report of the expression of a toxin gene in VBNC V. vulnificus. Moreover, vvhA transcripts were shown to persist in nonculturable populations over a 4.5-month period, with a progressive decline of the signal over time. This result indicates that special attention should be given to the presence of potentially pathogenic VBNC cells in environmental samples when assessing public health risk.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.68.11.5641-5646.2002}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/68/11/5641}, author = {Fischer-Le Saux,Marion and Hervio-Heath,Dominique and Loaec,Solen and Rita R Colwell and Pommepuy,Monique} } @article {12959, title = {Effects of Global Climate on Infectious Disease: The Cholera Model}, journal = {Clinical Microbiology ReviewsClin. Microbiol. Rev.}, volume = {15}, year = {2002}, month = {2002/10/01/}, pages = {757 - 770}, abstract = {Recently, the role of the environment and climate in disease dynamics has become a subject of increasing interest to microbiologists, clinicians, epidemiologists, and ecologists. Much of the interest has been stimulated by the growing problems of antibiotic resistance among pathogens, emergence and/or reemergence of infectious diseases worldwide, the potential of bioterrorism, and the debate concerning climate change. Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, lends itself to analyses of the role of climate in infectious disease, coupled to population dynamics of pathogenic microorganisms, for several reasons. First, the disease has a historical context linking it to specific seasons and biogeographical zones. In addition, the population dynamics of V. cholerae in the environment are strongly controlled by environmental factors, such as water temperature, salinity, and the presence of copepods, which are, in turn, controlled by larger-scale climate variability. In this review, the association between plankton and V. cholerae that has been documented over the last 20 years is discussed in support of the hypothesis that cholera shares properties of a vector-borne disease. In addition, a model for environmental transmission of cholera to humans in the context of climate variability is presented. The cholera model provides a template for future research on climate-sensitive diseases, allowing definition of critical parameters and offering a means of developing more sophisticated methods for prediction of disease outbreaks.}, isbn = {0893-8512, 1098-6618}, doi = {10.1128/CMR.15.4.757-770.2002}, url = {http://cmr.asm.org/content/15/4/757}, author = {Lipp,Erin K. and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @inbook {12965, title = {Fulfilling the promise of marine biotechnology}, booktitle = {Marine biotechnology in the twenty-first century: problems, promise, and productsMarine biotechnology in the twenty-first century: problems, promise, and products}, year = {2002}, month = {2002///}, pages = {39 - 39}, publisher = {National Academies Press}, organization = {National Academies Press}, isbn = {9780309083423}, author = {Rita R Colwell}, editor = {National Research Council (U S. ) Committee on Marine Biotechnology: Biomedical Applications of Marine Natural Products} } @article {12962, title = {Genomic profiles of clinical and environmental isolates of Vibrio cholerae O1 in cholera-endemic areas of Bangladesh}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences}, volume = {99}, year = {2002}, month = {2002///}, pages = {12409 - 12409}, abstract = {Diversity, relatedness, and ecological interactions of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 populations in two distinctive habitats, the human intestine and the aquatic environment, were analyzed. Twenty environmental isolates and 42 clinical isolates were selected for study by matching serotype, geographic location of isolation in Bangladesh, and season of isolation. Genetic profiling was done by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence{\textendash}PCR, optimized for profiling by using the fully sequenced V. cholerae El Tor N16961 genome. Five significant clonal clusters of haplotypes were found from 57 electrophoretic types. Isolates from different areas or habitats intermingled in two of the five significant clusters. Frequencies of haplotypes differed significantly only between the environmental populations (exact test; P < 0.05). Analysis of molecular variance yielded a population genetic structure reflecting the differentiating effects of geographic area, habitat, and sampling time. Although a parameter confounding the latter differences explained 9\% of the total molecular variance in the entire population (P < 0.01), the net effect of habitat and time could not be separated because of the small number of environmental isolates included in the study. Five subpopulations from a single area were determined, and from these we were able to estimate a relative differentiating effect of habitat, which was small compared with the effect of temporal change. In conclusion, the resulting population structure supports the hypothesis that spatial and temporal fluctuations in the composition of toxigenic V. cholerae populations in the aquatic environment can cause shifts in the dynamics of the disease.}, isbn = {0027-8424, 1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.192426499}, url = {http://www.pnas.org/content/99/19/12409}, author = {Zo,Y. G. and Rivera,I. N. G. and E. Russek-Cohen and Islam,M. S. and Siddique,A. K. and Yunus,M. and Sack,R. B. and Huq,A. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12963, title = {In vitro adhesion to human cells by viable but nonculturable Enterococcus faecalis}, journal = {Current microbiology}, volume = {45}, year = {2002}, month = {2002///}, pages = {105 - 110}, abstract = {The ability of viable but nonculturable (VBNC) Enterococcus faecalis to adhere to Caco-2 and Girardi heart cultured cells and to urinary tract epithelial cells (ECs) was studied. Enterococci were harvested during the vegetative growth phase (early exponential and stationary), in the VBNC state, and after recovery of the ability to divide. VBNC bacteria maintained their adherence capability but the efficiency of attachment was reduced by about 50 to 70\%, depending on the target cell employed. The decrease was transient, since enterococci that regained their culturability showed adherence values similar to those observed for actively growing cells. Analysis of the invasive properties of E. faecalis revealed that the VBNC state caused a decrease in the number of bacteria that entered the cultured HEK cells as a result of the reduction in the number of adhering bacteria. These results highlight the importance of studies of the VBNC phenomenon, with respect to both microbial survival in the environment and the impact on human health.}, doi = {10.1007/s00284-001-0089-2}, author = {Pruzzo,C. and Tarsi,R. and Lle{\`o},M. M. and Signoretto,C. and Zampini,M. and Rita R Colwell and Canepari,P.} } @article {12957, title = {Purification and properties of the extracellular lipase, LipA, of Acinetobacter sp. RAG-1}, journal = {European Journal of Biochemistry}, volume = {269}, year = {2002}, month = {2002/12/01/}, pages = {5771 - 5779}, abstract = {An extracellular lipase, LipA, extracted from Acinetobacter sp. RAG-1 grown on hexadecane was purified and properties of the enzyme investigated. The enzyme is released into the growth medium during the transition to stationary phase. The lipase was harvested from cells grown to stationary phase, and purified with 22\% yield and > 10-fold purification. The protein demonstrates little affinity for anion exchange resins, with contaminating proteins removed by passing crude supernatants over a Mono Q column. The lipase was bound to a butyl Sepharose column and eluted in a Triton~X-100 gradient. The molecular mass (33~kDa) was determined employing SDS/PAGE. LipA was found to be stable at pH~5.8{\textendash}9.0, with optimal activity at 9.0. The lipase remained active at temperatures up to 70~{\textdegree}C, with maximal activity observed at 55~{\textdegree}C. LipA is active against a wide range of fatty acid esters of p-nitrophenyl, but preferentially attacks medium length acyl chains (C6, C8). The enzyme demonstrates hydrolytic activity in emulsions of both medium and long chain triglycerides, as demonstrated by zymogram analysis. RAG-1 lipase is stabilized by Ca2+, with no loss in activity observed in preparations containing the cation, compared to a 70\% loss over 30~h without Ca2+. The lipase is strongly inhibited by EDTA, Hg2+, and Cu2+, but shows no loss in activity after incubation with other metals or inhibitors examined in this study. The protein retains more than 75\% of its initial activity after exposure to organic solvents, but is rapidly deactivated by pyridine. RAG-1 lipase offers potential for use as a biocatalyst.}, keywords = {Acinetobacter sp. RAG-1, LipA, lipase, protein purification, zymogram}, isbn = {1432-1033}, doi = {10.1046/j.1432-1033.2002.03235.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1432-1033.2002.03235.x/full}, author = {Snellman,Erick A. and Sullivan,Elise R. and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12961, title = {Simple Procedure for Rapid Identification of Vibrio Cholerae from the Aquatic Environment}, journal = {Applied and Environmental MicrobiologyAppl. Environ. Microbiol.}, volume = {68}, year = {2002}, month = {2002/02/01/}, pages = {995 - 998}, abstract = {Biochemical tests commonly used to screen for Vibrio cholerae in environmental samples were evaluated, and we found that a combination of alkaline peptone enrichment followed by streaking on thiosulfate citrate bile salts sucrose agar and testing for arginine dihydrolase activity and esculin hydrolysis was an effective rapid technique to screen for aquatic environmental V. cholerae. This technique provided 100\% sensitivity and >=70\% specificity.}, isbn = {0099-2240, 1098-5336}, doi = {10.1128/AEM.68.2.995-998.2002}, url = {http://aem.asm.org/content/68/2/995}, author = {Choopun,Nipa and Louis,Val{\'e}rie and Huq,Anwar and Rita R Colwell} } @article {12960, title = {A voyage of discovery: cholera, climate and complexity}, journal = {Environmental Microbiology}, volume = {4}, year = {2002}, month = {2002/04/23/}, pages = {67 - 69}, isbn = {1462-2920}, doi = {10.1046/j.1462-2920.2002.00270.x}, url = {http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1462-2920.2002.00270.x/abstract}, author = {Rita R Colwell} }