What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to examine the presence of multidrug-resistant Vibrio spp. with carbapenemase genes in aquacultured shrimp and their potential zoonotic implications.

July 24, 2026Open Access

Multidrug-Resistant Vibrio spp. carrying carbapenemase genes in aquacultured shrimp and their zoonotic importance

MRMaha M. RezkAnimal Health Research Institute DHDalia HamzaCairo University EIElshaimaa IsmaelCairo University

Key Points

The study aims to examine the presence of multidrug-resistant Vibrio spp. with carbapenemase genes in aquacultured shrimp and their potential zoonotic implications.
Collected samples from 100 cultured shrimp (hepatopancreas and muscles), 30 water samples, and 30 human stool samples from fish workers.
Used traditional and molecular methods for isolation and identification of Vibrio spp.
Analyzed histopathological markers in shrimp for health assessment.
Identified 165 Vibrio spp. (63.5%), predominantly V. fluvialis (41.2%), V. alginolyticus (31.5%), and V. parahaemolyticus (7.9%).
Found large-scale multidrug resistance in 77.5% of isolates, with presence of carbapenemase genes (bla KPC, bla NDM) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes (bla CTX-M, bla TEM).
Histopathological findings showed sloughed hepatopancreas epithelium and other signs of disease in shrimp.

Abstract

Abstract In the present study, samples (hepatopancreas and muscles) from 100 cultured shrimp ( Penaeus indicus ) were collected. The water samples (n = 30) were obtained from the same shrimp aquaculture farms located at Damietta Governorate in Egypt. An additional 30 samples of human stool were also taken from fish workers who consumed or handled shrimp in the farms. Traditional and regular molecular methods were used for the isolation of Vibrio spp. The investigation identified 165 (63.5%) Vibrio spp. with predominance of V. fluvialis (41.2%), V. alginolyticus (31.5%) and V. parahaemolyticus (7.9%). Findings of large-scale multidrug resistance (77.5% of isolates) and also of the presence of carbapenemase genes ( bla KPC , bla NDM ) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes ( bla CTX-M , bla TEM ) were important discoveries. This strong resistance, due to the fact that a lot of pressure has been exerted on the aquaculture through the use of antibiotics, demonstrates the ineffectiveness of antibiotics in combating vibriosis in shrimp farming. The clinical signs observed in shrimps were red and fragile shells, and pale hepatopancreas. Histopathological analyses corroborated the presence of sloughed hepatopancreas epithelium, vacuolation, oedema and hemocytic infiltration. Regarding sequence similarity, the gyrB gene was sequenced, and all of the shrimp hepatopancreas isolates showed 100% sequence identity with the human stool isolates, which indicates potential genetic relatedness of V. fluvialis isolates. However, because of the conserved nature of gyrB , higher resolution tools are needed to verify transmission (e.g., MLST or WGS). The results of this study show that ecological management strategies and improved farm hygiene practices can be more effective intervention strategies than antibiotic use, providing valuable insights for sustainable shrimp aquaculture and public health interventions.

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