Enteric Pathogens in Oysters

Although Campylobacter spp., Salmonella sp., and Norwalk-like viruses have been detected in shellfish and shellfish beds and have been associated with foodborne outbreaks, there is limited information on the prevalence of these pathogens in U.S. market oysters.These research studies will attempt to assess the relationship between fecal coiforms present in the water column and the prevalence of pathogens in oysters sold in retail markets. This will include determining the primary sources (human versus agricultural) of fecal contamination. In addition,this project will evaluate current potential health hazard identifrication techniques used by State Shellfish Sanitation agencies and assess the validity of using automated conductivity-based microbial growth monitoring for the classification of shellfish growing areas.