Occurrence of vibrios in the Southern Adriatic Sea Italian coasts

Vibrio spp from Southern Adriatic Sea (Italy) are investigated from Februar y 1997 to January 1998. 659 strains were isolated. The data obtained show t hat Vibrio alginolyticus was the most prevalent species (40 % of isolates), followed by Vibrio vulnificus (31.1 %). Recovery of vibrios, was correlate d with temperature but not with microbial pollution indicators. Aeromonads were not correlated with abiotic parameters and microbial pollution indicat ors. In all the sites examined the bacterial distribution was not related t o stations or depth. Present study contributed to further characterize Sout hern Adriatic Sea showing the predominant vibrio species of sanitary intere st present in this temperate marine environment.