Uptake and retention of Vibrio cholerae non-O1, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Vibrio harvey by mussels in seawater

Vibrio cholerae non O1 is known to persist in estuarine and freshwater envi ronments. Experiments evaluated the amount of microorganisms accumulated in mussels maintained in static seawater, contaminated with 10(4) to 10(6) ce lls/ml and the depuration time required in circulating water. Accumulation and retention times were compared with those for Escherichia coli, Salmonel la typhi and Vibrio harvey. E. coli and S. typhi accumulated to a greater e xtent and were released from mussels more quickly than vibrios which became undetectable 2 to 3 days later than E. coil. Seasonal seawater temperature s (14 to 21 degrees C) had a limited influence on depuration but vibrios ap pear 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 contaminate d with mixed culture, vibrios appeared to predominate on E. coli, while no interference was observed between E, coli and S. typhi.