Purpose: We report the development of a multi-layered vibrio database in Pathogen-Annotated Tracking Resource Network (PATRN) that can be queried for parameters of interest.
Methods: Data sets on vibrio levels in oysters at harvest thru consumption were obtained from publications and WA and TX state monitoring plans. Illness data was extracted from state and federal databases. Publically available information for multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of vibrio strains, climate and oyster landings were also incorporated. All data were uploaded to PATRN and data with known locations were formatted into GIS to illustrate geographical distributions. PATRN’s existing capabilities were expanded to integrate these data and incorporate query-specific graphics functions for investigating trends and potential impact of variables on illnesses and risk.
Results: PATRN provides a user-friendly format to import and integrate available data for individual queries and graphical illustrations. Analyses can be updated in “real time” as new information becomes available. The data can be segregated to investigate the effects of air and water temperature or salinity on vibrio levels at harvest. The influence of different time-to-temperature regimens or changes in landings on reported illnesses can also be evaluated. Maps illustrating harvest sites linked to illnesses can be generated. Vibrio levels from monitoring data, or environmental factors such as temperature or salinity, can be linked to implicated harvest sites. Additionally, the geographical distribution of strains with specific virulence traits, serotype, and/or MLST type can also be visualized.
Significance: This study demonstrates that the web-based PATRN vibrio data base (http://www.patrn.net/patrn_contact.html) can be a powerful tool for evaluation of factors contributing to vibrio risk allowing for timely and targeted risk management.