Public health aspects of halophilic vibrios in Jamaica

The occurrence of bacteria in oysters (Crassotrea rhizophorae) and seawater from Jamaican commercial oyster-culture sites was determined, using standard microbiological methods. Vibrio vulnificus, V. cholerae (non-01, non-toxigenic), V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus were identified in seawater samples, and the latter two mildly pathogenic species in oysters. The pathogenicity of halophilic vibrios is reviewed. The results suggest that correct selection of oyster-culture sites may significantly reduce the public health hazards associated with shellfish, and that more and precise information is required on the geographical and seasonal distribution of infection risk (AU)