Antibiotic Resistance in Vibrio parahaemolyticus: Mechanisms, Dissemination, and Global Public Health Challenges—A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a ubiquitous pathogen in marine and estuarine environments, is a foodborne microorganism whose infections have become a global public health challenge. In recent years, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of increasing numbers of antibiotic-resistant strains of V. parahaemolyticus worldwide. These strains harbor resistance genes that mediate various resistance mechanisms, presenting a significant challenge to antibiotic therapy. Furthermore, horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of resistance genes and the accelerating impacts of global climate change have facilitated the formation and spread of resistance, contributing to the proliferation of resistant strains and exacerbating the public health threat. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the resistance genes and mechanisms in V. parahaemolyticus, the effects of climate change on its resistance, and strategies to curb the transmission of resistant strains. Additionally, we conducted a statistical analysis of resistance data from 6727 V. parahaemolyticus isolates obtained from 27 countries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe, through the literature review, to better understand the distribution and trends of resistance in this pathogen. We hope that this study will serve as an important reference for controlling the spread of antibiotic resistance in V. parahaemolyticus and addressing this critical public health issue.