Pathogenic bacteria of public health significance in estuarine mangrove ecosystem

Abstract

Mangroves provide a unique ecological niche to different microbes which play a significant role in nutrient recycling as well as various environmental activities. However, with the increase in urbanization, estuarine mangrove ecosystems are getting affected by different ways. Several ‘non-innate’ matters are getting introduced into these environments. Since last decade, increased incidences of pathogens in mangroves have been documented. Despite of their atypical environment, these pathogens can adapt, survive and persist in the mangrove. Several pathogenic bacteria of public health significance and their abundance have been reported. Evidences suggest that the mangrove biota being used as food plays a major role in the transmission of pathogens. Apparently, mangrove ecosystem is acting as a reservoir for many pathogens. This chapter describes the occurrence of different pathogens of public health significance in mangroves, the potential of mangroves as a reservoir of pathogens and the role of associated biota in transferring these pathogens to humans.