Genetic and serological identification of three Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains as candidates for novel provisional O serotypes

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a Gram-negative, halophilic Vibrio that naturally inhabits marine and estuarine environments worldwide and has recently been recognized as one of the most important foodborne pathogens. To date, 13 O serotypes and 71 K serotypes of V. parahaemolyticus have been identified. However, untypeable V. parahaemolyticus strains are frequently found during routine detection, indicating that other forms of serotypes exist and suggesting the necessity for extension of the antigenic scheme. In this work, through the genetic analysis of the O serotype genetic determinants (OGDs) and the production of antisera and serological tests, we identified three novel O serotypes of V. parahaemolyticus. Further analyses showed that recombination and gene-set deletions/insertions within OGDs may play key roles in the generation of V. parahaemolyticus O serotype diversity. A PCR method was developed for the identification of these novel O serotypes, and specificity and sensitivity were evaluated. A double-blind test including 283 clinical isolates was performed, giving perfect correlation with the agglutination test results. Generally, our study expanded the O-antigenic scheme of V. parahaemolyticus from 13 to 16 and provided a tool with the potential for the detection and identification of V. parahaemolyticus strains (especially untypeable strains) isolated from both the clinic and the environment. •Three novel provisional O serotypes of V. parahaemolyticus were identified.•Intra-species recombination might lead to the formation of novel serotypes.•A PCR assay was developed for the identification of these novel serotypes.