Identificar la prevalencia de genes de toxinas del Vibrio parahaemolyticus en el ambiente marino de la zona de Mar Bravo – Salinas

Abstract

This study analyzed the prevalence of toxin genes in *Vibrio parahaemolyticus* strains isolated from water samples in the Mar Bravo area of ​​Ecuador during both the dry and rainy seasons. The aim was to determine whether this bacterial genus—naturally present in the area—harbors the toxin genes under investigation and whether these genes are responsible for diseases affecting aquaculture operations and other fishing activities. The research objectives were to detect the presence of "TDH," "TRH," and "TOX R" toxins using PCR methodology with specific primers targeting the conserved regions of the 16S rDNA associated with these three toxins. To this end, DNA was extracted from 132 bacterial strains cultured on TCBS and TSA media (with and without salt), following pre-established isolation criteria. The results showed that all analyzed *V. parahaemolyticus* isolates tested negative for the "TOX R," "TDH," and "TRH" genes.