Development of a Matrix Tool for the Prediction of Vibrio Species in Oysters Harvested from North Carolina

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe United States has federal regulations in place to reduce the risk of seafood-related infection caused by the estuarine bacteriaVibrio vulnificusandVibrio parahaemolyticus. However, data to support the development of regulations have been generated in a very few specific regions of the nation. More regionally specific data are needed to further understand the dynamics of human infection relating to shellfish-harvesting conditions in other areas. In this study, oysters and water were collected from four oyster harvest sites in North Carolina over an 11-month period. Samples were analyzed for the abundances of totalVibriospp.,V. vulnificus, andV. parahaemolyticus; environmental parameters, including salinity, water temperature, wind velocity, and precipitation, were also measured simultaneously. By utilizing these data, preliminary predictive management tools for estimating the abundance ofV. vulnificusbacteria in shellfish were developed. This work highlights the need for further research to elucidate the full suite of factors that driveV. parahaemolyticusabundance.