OCCURRENCE OF VIBRIO PARAHAEMOLYTICUS AND VIBRIO ALGINOLYTICUS IN MARINE AND ESTURARINE BATHING AREAS IN DANISH COAST

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 173  (5) , 338-345
Abstract
Water samples were collected from 17 sites in 3 marine and 2 estuarine bathing areas at the Danish coast from May to Nov. 1979. Total bacterial counts were done on blood agar. The prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus in 100-ml water samples using the filter membrane technique and TCBS agar plates was investigated for possible correlation to water temperature and salinity. Only 5 strains of V. parahaemolyticus were isolated, 2 from marine and 3 from estuarine water. V. alginolyticus was isolated in 8.33 and 15.63%, in relation to the total bacterial count/100 ml on TCBS agar, in marine and estuarine water samples, respectively. The maximum was registered in June and July, corresponding with the highest temperatures recorded (12.degree.-18.degree. C). V. alginolyticus should be considered a widely distributed bacterium in Danish coastal areas and can be regarded as a bacterial indicator of hygienic and public health importance.