Dangerous Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Found in Red Sea and Mediterranean

London – Israeli researchers have discovered dangerous, antibiotic-resistant Vibrio bacteria in the Mediterranean and Red Seas, raising significant public health concerns, according to a statement released by Tel Aviv University (TAU) on Sunday.

These Vibrio bacteria can cause severe illnesses in humans, including gastrointestinal problems, wound infections, and ear infections. They also pose a threat to marine life, particularly corals and shellfish, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Vibrio bacteria are capable of exchanging genetic material, meaning that once one strain becomes harmful, it can potentially spread these traits to other strains. Climate change, by warming ocean waters, is facilitating the spread of these bacteria into new regions, increasing the risk of human infection.

In a study published in the journal mSphere, TAU scientists analyzed the genomes of 23 Vibrio samples collected from coastal waters near Tel Aviv and Eilat.

The research revealed a wide array of toxins, secretion systems, and mobile genetic elements that enhance the bacteria’s ability to survive and become more virulent.

The study found that at least 10 of the bacterial strains could kill immune cells, while at least 12 were capable of releasing toxins that harm competing Vibrio strains.

When tested against commonly used antibiotics, many of the bacterial samples exhibited strong resistance—particularly to azithromycin, a key antibiotic for treating Vibrio infections.

One strain discovered in the Red Sea was found to produce a toxin lethal to shrimp, which has caused billions of dollars in losses to shrimp farming industries worldwide.

The researchers emphasized that their findings highlight the significant disease-causing potential of Vibrio bacteria in Israeli coastal waters. They called for continuous environmental monitoring to identify and manage emerging microbial threats.

With inputs from IANS