The parasite Perkinsus marinus and bacterium Vibrio vulnificus can simultaneously inhabit oysters. Because V. vulnificus can infect humans who consume raw oysters, identifying a direct relationship between the two pathogens could mean improved management of the bacterium. Ryan Carnegie of Virginia Institute of Marine Science sampled 250 oysters in the Chesapeake Bay to investigate a potential link between P. marinus and V. vulnificus. Findings did not suggest a direct link between the two pathogens, and in some samples suggested an inverse relationship. These results suggest the need for further testing.
Project details:Â Ryan Carnegie (VIMS). Determining the relationship between Vibrio spp. and Perkinsus marinus levels in oysters from the Chesapeake Bay.
