Pathogenic marine vibrio species in selected Nova Scotian recreational coastal waters

Seven heavily frequented coastal recreation sites serving Metropolitan Halifax and Dartmouth were investigated to determine the numbers and species of pathogenic marine vibrios (PMV) present. Seawater, mussels and sea gull feces were cultured using quantitative methods and the effects of temperature and fecal pollution noted. Emergency rooms serving the sites under surveillance were monitored for PMV-related infections. All 11 recognized species of pathogenic marine vibrios were recovered from the 7 sites. Estuarine sites yielded a greater variety of species and greater numbers of PMV than non-estuarine sites. Culture of hand washings after immersion in seawater did not demonstrate contamination of skin by PMV. We did not demonstrate any cases of PMV infection associated with the 7 surveillance sites. PMV contamination of marine recreational waters does not frequently result in superficial infections.