Uptake and retention of Vibrio cholerae non-O1, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Vibrio harvey by mussels in seawater
Marino, A.; Crisafi, G.; Maugeri, T.L.; Nostro, A.; Alonzo, V.
New Microbiologica 22(2): 129-138
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 1121-7138 PMID: 10322612 Document Number: 506982
Vibrio cholerae non O1 is known to persist in estuarine and freshwater environments. Experiments evaluated the amount of microorganisms accumulated in mussels maintained in static seawater, contaminated with 10(4) to 10(6) cells/ml and the depuration time required in circulating water. Accumulation and retention times were compared with those for Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio harvey. E. coli and S. typhi accumulated to a greater extent and were released from mussels more quickly than vibrios which became undetectable 2 to 3 days later than E. coli. Seasonal seawater temperatures (14 to 21 degrees C) had a limited influence on depuration but vibrios appear to be retained with more efficacy over 16 degrees C while E. coli and S. typhi were eliminated to a greater extent. When mussels were contaminated with mixed culture, vibrios appeared to predominate on E. coli, while no interference was observed between E. coli and S. typhi.