An official website of the United States government.
Project will develop data on consumer exposure to vibrios for use in developing risk assessment models. This collaborative study involving CFSAN, ORA, ISSC and NMFS is determining the levels of Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus to which consumers are being exposed when they consume raw oysters.
Project will develop data on consumer exposure to vibrios for use in developing risk assessment models. This collaborative study involving CFSAN, ORA, ISSC and NMFS is determining the levels of Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus to which consumers are being exposed when they consume raw oysters. This project involves collections of consumer samples in nine locations throughout U.S. A library of V. vulnificus strains is being assembled to represent isolates from different coasts and seasons. These isolates will be used to determine if strain differences exist. A. Analysis of retail oyster for Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Approximately 36 oyster samples per month are being analyzed by both MPN and direct plating techniques for Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Sample collection and analysis will end in June 1999. B. Determine if strains of Vibrio vulnificus differ depending on source (clinical/environmental), sample location (Gulf,East, West Coast) and season. The retail study will provide an opportunity to obtain V. vulnificus strains representating all coasts and seasons.These strains can be used to determine if strain differences may be related to only Gulf coast oysters being linked to illness caused by V. vulnificus. Related to citizen position 98P-0504.
These data will provide a more accurate exposure estimate and thereby enhance current estimates of the microbiological risks associated with oysters.