[Survival of pathogenic microorganisms in the Black Sea mussel with an experimental infection]

The survival rate was followed up of S. typhimurium, S. enteritidis, S. aureus, and E. coli in the organs of M. galloprovincialis L. in experimental conditions. A vat was used with 30 mussels in 10 l of sea water contaminated with 10 cm3 broth culture in conc. of 2.10(4) bacterial cells per cub. cm. The water was changed at 24-hour intervals. Microbiologic studies were carried out of the gills, liver, and meat of the mussels and of the sampled sea water. Lowest survival rate showed S. aureus--up to the second day, S. typhimurium and S. orientalis--up to the 4th days (in the gills only), and E. coli--up to the sixth day (in the gills and liver). None of the experimental strains to the sixth day (in the gills and liver). None of the experimental strains was isolated from the meat. With regard to the periods of investigation cited M. galloprovincialis L. could play the role of a carrier, resp. vector of the infection and could bring about a disease after consumption. Stated is the important part played by mussels as biofilter, and, at the same time, as source of pathogenic bacterial microflora.