Researchers find single-copy genes distinguish Vibrio bacteria species
Scientists at the EHU demonstrate that single-copy genes serve as better markers than traditional methods for distinguishing closely related Vibrio bacteria in marine water samples.
Limitations of current identification tools
The genus Vibrio contains more than 100 species that play important roles in marine ecosystems and can act as pathogens. Traditional molecular methods often lack the resolution needed to identify these closely related bacteria accurately. The standard 16S rDNA marker is unsuitable because its sequence remains quite similar across highly similar species.
New genetic markers offer higher resolution
Researcher Alexandra García Flórez explains that single-copy genes provide the necessary resolution to distinguish between bacteria within the same family. This approach solves the problem where each bacterial cell possesses more than one copy of the traditional marker. Using these new markers allows for more precise identification and quantification of Vibrio species in environmental samples.
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