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Dangerous Hitchhikers? Evidence for Potentially Pathogenic Vibrio Spp. on Microplastic Particles
Summary
Researchers collected microplastic particles from the North and Baltic Seas and found potentially pathogenic Vibrio bacteria growing on their surfaces, raising the possibility that microplastics could transport dangerous human pathogens to new areas. Vibrio species can cause serious intestinal illness in humans through contaminated water or raw seafood consumption.
The qualitative and quantitative composition of biofilms on microplastic surfaces is widely unknown. A previous study (Zettler et al., 2013; EST) reports the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio spp.) on floating microplastic particles. Hence microplastics could function as vectors for the dispersal of microorganisms to new habitats. Several Vibrio species are serious human pathogens. Contact with contaminated water and consumption of raw seafood are the main infection factors for Vibrio associated diseases. On research cruises to the North- and Baltic Sea, microplastic particles were collected and subjected to APW (alkaline peptone water) enrichment. Growth on selective CHROMagar™ Vibrio and further identification of isolates by MALDI-TOF (matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight) clearly indicate the presence of potentially pathogenic Vibrio spp. on microplastics. Our results highlight the urgent need for detailed microbiological analyses of floating microplastic particles in the future.