Genetic and phylogenetic evidence for misidentification of Vibrio species within the Harveyi clade

Aim: This report describes the use of a six-gene multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) to correctly identify Vibrio strains of the Harveyi clade. Methods and Results: Vibrio isolates were characterized using a six housekeeping gene MLSA. The study provided evidence supporting: (i) a substantial number of reference strains maintained within commercial culture collections are misidentified taxonomically at the species level; (ii) two V. alginolyticus subclades retain species-level divergence; and (iii) V. communis and V. owensii likely are the same species. Conclusion: A significant number (n = 10) of Harveyi clade Vibrio strains have been inaccurately identified, including evidence that V. communis and V. owensii strains, two recently discovered species assigned to the Harveyi clade, comprise a single species. Significance and Impact of the study: As Harveyi clade vibrios have an enormous impact on human and aquatic animal health, it is of paramount importance to identify members of the Harveyi clade correctly.