Detection and Molecular Characterization of Vibrio cholerae in Wastewater from Fish Ponds

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Vibrio cholerae in Wastewater from Fish Ponds

ABSTRACT

The presence of pathogenic microorganisms in aquatic environments is a matter of substantial concern for both public health and environmental safety. Among these, Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, stands out as a particularly formidable threat due to its potential to cause widespread outbreaks and severe gastrointestinal illness in humans. While cholera is historically associated with contaminated water sources, there is a growing recognition of the role of aquaculture settings, such as fish ponds, in the ecology and transmission dynamics of V. cholerae. Aquaculture, as an essential component of the global food supply, has witnessed significant expansion in recent decades. This surge, however, has been accompanied by an increased risk of microbial contamination, including potentially pathogenic species like V. cholerae. Fish ponds, serving as contained aquatic ecosystems, offer favorable conditions for the persistence and proliferation of this bacterium. Factors such as nutrient-rich water, fluctuating environmental parameters, and the presence of potential hosts (both fish and crustaceans) contribute to the survival and propagation of V. cholerae within these habitats. The effluent wastewater from fish ponds, often discharged into natural water bodies or subjected to limited treatment, represents a critical interface for the potential transmission of V. cholerae to both aquatic biota and human populations. As such, a comprehensive understanding of the presence and genetic characteristics of V. cholerae in fish pond wastewater is imperative for risk assessment, targeted intervention strategies, and the overall management of cholera in regions where aquaculture plays a significant role in food production. this study aims to detect and molecularly characterize Vibrio cholerae in wastewater fish ponds. By employing state-of-the-art molecular techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting specific genetic markers, and subsequent sequencing for finer genetic resolution, this research endeavors to shed light on the genetic diversity, virulence potential, and antibiotic resistance profiles of V. cholerae strains present in this critical aquatic environment. Such insights will not only contribute to a deeper understanding of the ecological niche of V. cholerae but also provide valuable data for public health authorities and aquaculture practitioners in formulating targeted strategies to mitigate the potential risks associated with the presence of this pathogen in fish pond ecosystem

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