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Survival and replication of male-specific bacteriophages in molluscan shellfish

W Burkhardt1, W D Watkins, S R Rippey

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston 02881.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|April 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Male-specific bacteriophages did not replicate in live clams but remained stable for 7 days. Replication occurred in clam homogenates only with a bacterial host and temperature abuse.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Bacteriophage biology
  • Shellfish aquaculture

Background:

  • Male-specific bacteriophages are potential indicators of fecal contamination.
  • Hard-shelled clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) are filter feeders and can accumulate contaminants.
  • Understanding bacteriophage survival in shellfish is crucial for water quality assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the survival and replication of male-specific bacteriophages in Mercenaria mercenaria.
  • To determine the potential of these bacteriophages as indicator organisms in shellfish.
  • To investigate the influence of host bacteria and environmental conditions on bacteriophage persistence.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of Mercenaria mercenaria to male-specific bacteriophages.
  • Incubation of shellfish and their homogenates with and without Escherichia coli HS[pFamp]R.
  • Monitoring bacteriophage densities over time at ambient seawater temperatures.

Main Results:

  • Male-specific bacteriophages did not replicate in live Mercenaria mercenaria, regardless of host presence.
  • Bacteriophage densities remained stable for up to 7 days in live shellfish below 25°C.
  • Replication was observed in temperature-abused shellfish homogenates and supernatants when a bacterial host was present.

Conclusions:

  • Male-specific bacteriophages are unlikely to replicate within live Mercenaria mercenaria.
  • Their stability in shellfish suggests potential for use as passive indicators.
  • Replication in processed or temperature-abused shellfish requires a host and specific conditions.

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