Hybrid and El Tor Variant Biotypes of Vibrio cholerae O1 in Thailand
Author Information
Author(s): Na-Ubol M. Srimanote P., Chongsa-nguan M., Indrawattana N., Sookrung N., Tapchaisri P., Yamazaki S., Bodhidatta L., Eampokalap B., Kurazono H., Hayashi H., Nair G.B., Takeda Y., Chaicumpa W.
Primary Institution: Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Hypothesis
What are the characteristics of Vibrio cholerae O1 strains isolated in Thailand from 1986 to 2009?
Conclusion
Hybrid Vibrio cholerae O1 strains have been present in Thailand since 1986, but the predominant circulating strains are El Tor variants.
Supporting Evidence
- All 330 strains carried the El Tor virulence gene signature.
- 266 strains were typical El Tor, while 64 had mixed classical and El Tor phenotypes.
- El Tor variant strains were first found in 1992, coinciding with the disappearance of typical El Tor strains.
Takeaway
Scientists studied bacteria that cause cholera in Thailand and found two types: one that is more common and another that is a mix of two types.
Methodology
330 V. cholerae O1 strains from hospitalized patients were biotyped and analyzed using PCR methods.
Limitations
The study only covers strains isolated in Thailand and may not represent global trends.
Participant Demographics
Strains were isolated from hospitalized patients with cholera in various regions of Thailand.
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