Development of a multi-locus sequence typing scheme for Laribacter hongkongensis, a novel bacterium associated with freshwater fish-borne gastroenteritis and traveler's diarrhea, revealed 'pathogenic' strains

Abstract

Background: In 2001, we discovered Laribacter hongkongensis, a novel genus and species, facultative anaerobic, Gram-negative, motile, urease-positive, S-shaped rod that belongs to the Neisseriaceae family. In a multi-centered prospective study, we showed that L. hongkongensis was associated with community-acquired gastroenteritis and traveler's diarrhea, with freshwater fish as the reservoir of the bacterium. L. hongkongensis is globally distributed, as travel histories from patients suggested that it is present in at least four continents, including Asia, Europe, Africa and Central America.