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The objective is to evaluate a new assay for Vibrio species, developed by the ARS worksite in Dover, DE, on naturally-contaminated oysters and seawater.
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Research will be conducted to determine the utility of a newly developed, fluorescence assay for Vibrio species in monitoring for Vibrio levels in oysters and seawater. </P>
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The USDA has an ongoing program involved in the development of new analytical methods for Vibrio detection which is likely to apply to human and fish pathogens and could be broadly marketed for use in food, clinical, aquaculture, and regulatory settings. Validation of the Vibrio assay by an independent laboratory is a natural and logical extension to work initiated at the ARS, Dover worksite.</P>
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The study involves: a) surveying for the presence of Vibrio species in oysters and seawater on a monthly basis from high and low salinity waters using the new method, b) enumerating Vibrio levels by month, c) confirming the identity of the isolates by biochemical characterization, d) evaluating the utility of the method for regulatory purposes, and e) jointly publishing the results.</P>