Microbiological conditions of Tagelus plebeius (LIGHTFOOT, 1786) (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Solecurtidae) and the water in the Ceará River estuary in Fortaleza - CE

Abstract

The aim of the present research was to study the species Tagelus plebeius at the Ceará River estuary in Fortaleza-Ceará State, considering aspects of its microbiological conditions. Sampling for microbiological analysis was conducted in the dry season (November and December 2006) and in the rainy season (March and April 2007). The amount of thermotolerant coliforms (TC) (45°C) in the water and in the clam muscle was analyzed through Multiple Tube Techniques by Most Probable Number (MPN) estimate. In the muscle and peri-visceral liquid the presence of Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus coagulase-positive and TC (45°C) was analyzed. Water samples and animal samples presented high values of MPN for TC/100 mL, mainly in the rainy season. Twenty two possible Salmonella spp. strains were isolated, 11 of which were confirmed through serology test with a polivalent O:H antiserum, there being identified three serovars (S. Bredeney, S. London and S. Muenchen) and one (1) strain classified down being to subspecies level: S. enterica subsp. enterica. The presence of Staphylococcus coagulase-positive was not detected in any analyzed sample. The water and the animals are contaminated with fecal material, mainly in the rainy season, implying health hazards to bivalve consumers.