# Epidemiological and Genomic analysis of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from imported travelers at the port of Shanghai, China (2017-2019)

## TL;DR

This study analyzes Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains from travelers in Shanghai to understand their global spread and resistance patterns.

## Contribution

The study identifies Southeast Asia as a key source of imported Vibrio parahaemolyticus and reveals its virulence and antibiotic resistance genes.

## Key findings

- Southeast Asia is a significant source of imported Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains.
- Most isolates contain virulence genes (tdh and tlh) and around 120 antibiotic resistance-related genes.
- Genetic differences exist between human and environmental Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains.

## Abstract

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the predominant etiological agent of seafood-associated foodborne illnesses on a global scale. It is essential to elucidate the mechanisms by which this pathogen disseminates. Given the existing research predominantly concentrates on localized outbreaks, there is a pressing necessity for a comprehensive investigation to capture strains of V. parahaemolyticus cross borders.

This study examined the frequency and genetic attributes of imported V. parahaemolyticus strains among travelers entering Shanghai Port, China, between 2017 and 2019.Through the collection of 21 strains from diverse countries and regions, Southeast Asia was pinpointed as a significant source for the emergence of V. parahaemolyticus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clear delineation between strains originating from human and environmental sources, emphasizing that underlying genome data of foodborne pathogens is essential for environmental monitoring, food safety and early diagnosis of diseases. Furthermore, our study identified the presence of virulence genes (tdh and tlh) and approximately 120 antibiotic resistance-related genes in the majority of isolates, highlighting their crucial involvement in the pathogenesis of V. parahaemolyticus.

This research enhanced our comprehension of the worldwide transmission of V. parahaemolyticus and its antimicrobial resistance patterns. The findings have important implications for public health interventions and antimicrobial stewardship strategies, underscoring the necessity for epidemiological surveillance of pathogen at international travel hubs.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-024-03303-7.