Detection of virulence associated genes in clinical strains of Vibrio mimicus

A total of 42 clinical strains of Vibrio mimicus were examined for the pres ence of virulence associated genes toxR, toxS, toxT, tcpP, ctx and tcpA by PCR assay. Almost all strains were shown to have the toxR gene, while the t oxS gene was found in 27 strains. On the other hand, five strains possessed both toxT and tcpP genes, but others had neither. Only two strains were po sitive for amplification of the ctx gene, whereas no PCR product with tcpA primers was detected. The results indicate the incomplete copies of virulen ce cascade in V mimicus strains. The pathogenesis and epidemic potential of this species is also discussed.