Complete genome sequence of the biotype 1 Vibrio vulnificus isolated from diseased Pacific shortfin eel (Anguilla bicolor pacifica) cultured in Korea

Abstract

Vibrio vulnificus is an important waterborne zoonotic pathogen that causes several life-threatening infections in humans and other aquatic animals. Here, we report the complete genome of indole-positive biotype 1 V. vulnificus strain GCU-01, isolated from a diseased Pacific shortfin eel (Anguilla bicolor pacifica) cultured in Korea. The genome consists of two circular chromosomes and three plasmids. Multilocus sequence typing analysis revealed the sequence type of strain GCU-01 was assigned to 502, and genes coding virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and prophages were also analyzed. Tet(A) encoding tetracycline efflux pump was detected in pVv_GCU-01-1, which was determined as a conjugative IncA/C plasmid widespread in Enterobacteriaceae. This indicates a possible association with increased antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture and public health. This work enhances our understanding of eel-pathogenic BT1 V. vulnificus and its management in the Korean eel culture and seafood industries.