Mangrove ecosystems: An adopted habitat for pathogenic Salmonella spp.

Abstract

Mangroves are affected by industrial and anthropogenic factors. Although mangroves have been widely studied, investigations of pathogens that may affect public health significance are largely lacking even while incidences of diseases linked with the consumption of mangrove-associated food have increased. A total of 150 samples of water, sediment, and biota were collected from ten mangrove ecosystems in Goa, India. Total viable counts of pathogens such as E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, and Vibrio spp. ranged from 1.25 to 3.9 x 10 sup(3) cfu/ mL, which were above the relevant standards. Salmonella counts were the highest at 3.1 to 3.9 x 10 sup(3) cfu/mL, with a prevalence of 40 percent. Considering its high prevalence, the virulence of Salmonella spp. was studied. The invA gene was detected in 35 percent of the Salmonella isolates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The findings suggested that pathogens adapt to this habitat, resulting in contamination of the indigenous fauna.