Abstract

RINCON V, Gresleida et al. Virulence Factors of Aeromonas spp. Kasmera [online]. 2016, vol.44, n.2, pp.121-133. ISSN 0075-5222.

Some species of Aeromonas have emerged as important pathogens associated with the development of gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential virulence of Aeromonas strains from vegetables. Virulence factors were analyzed: DNase, lecitinasa, caseinase, gelatinase, hemolysines and hemaglutinies, in 59 strains of A. hydrophila and 61 of A. caviae, isolated from coriander, parsley and lettuce obtained in establishments in Maracaibo city. The results were analyzed through statistics χ². The virulence factors studied were expressed for more of the 80% of the strains. Four of the 6 factors were expressed in greater proportion in Aeromonas hydrophila strains, although the difference between the species only significant in for caseinase expression (94.9% vs 72.1%, p <0.05). All strains exhibited DNase activity. The lecitinasa expression result slightly higher in A. caviae strains (p> 0.05). A significant difference was evident in the number of virulence factors expressed by the two species, being higher for A. hydrophila (p <0.05). The expression of a large number of virulence factors the analyzed Aeromonas strains, allow to attribute a potential of pathogenicity to the strain of human infections.

Keywords : Aeromonas spp; virulence factors; pathogenicity; vegetables; gastroenteritis.

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