The Effects of Climate Change and Urbanization on the Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance of Vibrio Bacteria Affecting Seafood Safety and Contact Recreation in the Coastal Zone

Geoffrey Scott, University of South Carolina, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health and the NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions, Columbia, SC, United States, Saurabh I Chatterjee, Arnold School of Public Health , University of South Carolina, Environmental Health Sciences and the NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions, Columbia, SC, United States, Cassandra Horton, University of South Carolina, Department of Environmental Health Sciences. Arnold School of Public Health and the NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human health and Climate Change Interactions, Columbia, SC, United States, Paul A. Sandifer, College of Charleston, Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health and the NIEHS Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions, Charleston, SC, United States, Marie DeLorenzo, NOAA/NOS NCCOS, Charleston and Hollings Marine Laboratories, Charleston, SC, United States and R. Sean Norman, University of South Carolina, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health and the NIEHS Funded Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions, Columbia, SC, United States
Abstract:
Oceans and Human Health (OHH) is a “One Health” concept that connects ecosystem and human health.The NIEHS and NSF have funded four Centers across the US to address these concerns, including the Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions (OHHC2I) at the University of South Carolina. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), antibiotic resistant microbes and microplastics are three of the most significant stressors that may affect OHH, through contact recreation, seafood consumption and inhalation of air-borne pollutants, which are the primary focus areas of research at OHHC2I. Vibrio bacteria are a significant OHH risk associated with both global climate change and sea-level rise as their presence in coastal waters and seafood may lead to gastrointestinal illness, wound infections and death. Recent CDC estimates indicate that Vibrio illnesses in the US have increased to 80,000 cases/year. Current research indicates that many Vibrio bacteria may have increased rates of antibiotic resistance that may be induced by exposure to increased temperatures and salinity associated with climate change and by increased exposure to trace metal pollution in coastal regions due to increased coastal urbanization. This has led to increased spatial and temporal expansion of Vibrio bacteria at higher latitudes throughout longer time periods each year. Vibrio bacteria may also co-occur with HAB blooms throughout different time of the year. Multi-factorial laboratory studies conducted have indicated that temperature and salinity as well as different trace metals and antimicrobial agents may induce altered growth and gene expression in Vibrio bacteria affecting their abundance and antibiotic resistance. Algorithms which predicted Vibrio abundance were developed and used in a neural network model linking altered precipitation associated with climate change and sea level rise and suggested that optimum growth conditions for Vibrio bacteria may increase by > 230% in future forecasts projected out to 2050 and beyond in SC. Current efforts to develop more effective long term forecast to inform and protect the public will be discussed as tools to reduce future exposure to these harmful marine bacteria as part of an Integrated OHH Community Engagement Strategy.
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