Vibrionaceae (herein named vibrios) is a family of ubiquitous heterotrophic bacteria found in aquatic environments. Although they represent a small percentage of the bacteria in these environments, vibrios can predominate during blooms and play crucial roles in biogeochemical processes. Vibrios include the human pathogen V. cholerae as well as other less well-characterized animal pathogens. Vibrio-associated diseases in oysters have been steadily rising over the past decade, threatening the long-term survival of commercial and natural stocks. Our understanding and management of such diseases are of critical importance regarding the expected role of aquaculture in solving the approaching worldwide food shortage. Recent work from my group has contributed significantly to gain insights into the role of vibrios in oyster infections. Our preliminary data suggest that antibiotic resistance is a common feature in Vibrio crassostreae strains isolated from the environment and question about the potential spread of mobile genetic elements carrying multiple resistant genes in oyster hatcheries. The goal of our project is to shed light on the evolution of antimicrobial resistance in environmental vibrios.
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