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Removal of faecal indicator bacteria and bacteriophages from the common mussel (Mytilus edulis) under artificial
M M de Mesquita1, L M Evison, P A West
1Department of Civil Engineering, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Abstract:
Artificial self-purification (depuration) of mussels (Mytilus deulis) was undertaken at three temperatures, under conditions similar to those likely to be experienced in the commercial shellfish industry of the UK. During a 72 h depuration period, samples of mussel flesh were examined for three faecal indicator bacteria, Escherichia coli, Group D faecal streptococci and sulphite-reducing Clostridium spores, and two types of bacteriophage. There was a statistically significant difference in the elimination rate of faecal indicator bacteria compared with the slower rate for both bacteriophages.
Insights
Mussels depuration effectively removed indicator bacteria but not bacteriophages. This study highlights the importance of depuration conditions for shellfish safety in the UK industry.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Food science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Shellfish safety is crucial for public health and the UK's commercial shellfish industry.
- Mussels (Mytilus deulis) are filter feeders that can accumulate pathogens from contaminated waters.
- Artificial self-purification (depuration) is a common method to reduce microbial contamination in shellfish.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of artificial depuration in removing faecal indicator bacteria and bacteriophages from mussels.
- To evaluate the impact of temperature on the depuration process for shellfish safety.
- To provide data relevant to the commercial shellfish industry in the UK.
Main Methods:
- Mussels (Mytilus deulis) were subjected to a 72-hour depuration period at three different temperatures.
- Mussel flesh was analyzed for the presence of three faecal indicator bacteria: Escherichia coli, Group D faecal streptococci, and sulphite-reducing Clostridium spores.
- The elimination rates of two types of bacteriophages were also monitored during depuration.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference was observed in the elimination rates between faecal indicator bacteria and bacteriophages.
- Faecal indicator bacteria were eliminated more rapidly than bacteriophages during the depuration process.
- Depuration efficiency varied with temperature, impacting the removal of different microbial contaminants.
Conclusions:
- Artificial depuration is effective in reducing faecal indicator bacteria in mussels but less so for bacteriophages.
- The findings suggest that current depuration protocols may need optimization to ensure the removal of all relevant viral contaminants.
- Further research is needed to enhance depuration strategies for comprehensive shellfish safety, particularly concerning bacteriophage removal.
