Genomic Insight into Vibrio Isolates from Fresh Raw Mussels and Ready-to-Eat Stuffed Mussels

Consuming raw or undercooked mussels can lead to gastroenteritis and septicemia due to <i>Vibrio</i> contamination. This study analyzed the prevalence, density, species diversity, and molecular traits of <i>Vibrio</i> spp. in 48 fresh raw wild mussels (FRMs) and 48 ready-to-eat stuffed mussels (RTE-SMs) through genome analysis, assessing health risks. The results showed <i>Vibrio</i> prevalence rates of 12.5% in FRMs and 4.2% in RTE-SMs, with <i>V. alginolyticus</i> as the most common species (46.7%). It was determined that the seasonal distribution of <i>Vibrio</i> spp. prevalence in the samples was higher in the summer months. The genome sizes of the <i>Vibrio</i> spp. ranged from approximately 3.9 to 6.1 Mb, with the GC contents varying between 41.9% and 50.4%. A total of 22 virulence factor (VF) classes and up to six antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes were detected in different <i>Vibrio</i> species. The presence of nine different biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), 27 prophage regions, and eight CRISPR/Cas systems in 15 <i>Vibrio</i> strains provides information about their potential pathogenicity, survival strategies, and adaptation to different habitats. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the genomic diversity of <i>Vibrio</i> spp. isolated from FRM and RTE-SM samples, shedding light on the prevalence, pathogenicity, and toxicity mechanisms of <i>Vibrio</i>-induced gastroenteritis.