Cell phenotype changes and oxidative stress response in Vibrio spp. induced into viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state

Abstract Purpose Aquatic bacteria of the genus Vibrio include animal and human pathogens. The occurrence -related diseases has been associated with current climate change-driven increase sea surface temperature. spp. can enter into viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, as a consequence starvation in seawater at low temperatures. In such physiological cells are no longer culturable on standard media agar plates resuscitate if incubated 30 °C prior to plating, retaining virulence. Since limited information is available regards this topic, work, we characterized phenotypic changes four strains (one laboratory strain three environmental isolates) cold microcosms, investigating relationship between resuscitation hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress. Methods Cell effect peroxide and/or catalase addition medium were studied VBNC resuscitated by flow cytometry microcosm experiments, paralleled culturability experiments plating. Results all changed their phenotype upon induction state resulting cell dwarfing decrease DNA quantity, losing ability grow solid media. These features partially or totally reverted when treated for resuscitation. Hydrogen concentrations 0.007 mM prevented prolonged exposure far under those inhibiting growth log-phase permanently damaged cells, which could not be resuscitated. However, potential preserved, least part population, plating presence catalase. study also showed that during process, gradually increased resistance peroxide. Conclusions timing mode well response peroxide, differed among strains, indicating from dormancy vary context species belonging single genus.