Meta-analysis of global prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility, and virulence genes of Vibrio spp. in aquatic products.

Vibrio-associated foodborne diseases constitute a substantial global health burden, and aquatic products are frequently contaminated with antibiotic-resistant and potentially virulent Vibrio. This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the global prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes of Vibrio in aquatic products. From 108 eligible studies, pooled prevalence of Vibrio reached 20.99% (95% CI: 18.04-24.09%), exhibiting a decreasing trend over time. Contamination rates were higher in shellfish (25.43%) than in shrimp (21.69%) and fish (17.63%), and in farm samples (26.31%) compared to retail samples (18.12%). Species and geographic analyses identified V. parahaemolyticus as the predominant species, with Asia and North America as principal hotspots. Among 47 antibiotics tested, resistance to penicillins was most prevalent (67.52%). Resistance to polymyxin B, erythromycin, vancomycin, and tetracycline demonstrated increasing trend over time, accompanied by high frequencies of key resistance genes (blaCTX, blaTEM, ermB, aadA, str, and GyrA associated mutations). Virulence analysis indicated high prevalence of adhesion factors (tcp), secretion systems (type VI secretion system and type III secretion system 1), and hemolysin-related genes (tlh and hlyA). Asian isolates possessed the broadest virulence gene spectrum. Notably, farm-derived isolates exhibited higher prevalence of adhesion- and toxin-related genes, whereas retail-derived isolates harbored more genomic islands and other virulence genes. These findings reveal a high prevalence of Vibrio in aquatic products worldwide, characterized by distinct spatiotemporal distribution patterns, severe antibiotic resistance and diverse virulence attributes. Our results underscore the necessity for integrated surveillance and targeted intervention strategies across the aquaculture-to-retail continuum.