Detection and Enumeration of Bacterial Pathogens in the American Oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

Author

Mohammad Maruf Billah, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Ocean, Coastal, and Earth Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. MD Saydur Rahman

Second Advisor

Dr. Alejandro Fierro Cabo

Third Advisor

Dr. Ying Jia

Abstract

American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a popular seafood for its delicacy and high nutritional value. Based on increasing concern about contamination of bacterial pathogens in raw oyster, my research objectives have been focused on detection and enumeration of two important bacterial pathogens, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in the American oyster in south Texas waters, local markets and controlled laboratory studies. Immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analyses showed substantial bacterial pathogen’s presence in gills and digestive glands of oysters collected from San Martin Lake and South Padre Island as well as local markets. Laboratory studies showed increasing trend of both bacterial pathogens with elevated temperatures (28 and 32 °C) compared to control (24 °C). Extrapallial fluid, an important body fluid, glucose levels, pH, and protein concentration varied in oysters and appeared to be pertinent with pathogen intensity. Collectively, these results suggest that American oyster is prone to water-borne pathogen contamination in south Texas waters.

Comments

Copyright 2020 Mohammad M. Billah. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/detection-enumeration-bacterial-pathogens/docview/2422077361/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Billah, Mohammad Maruf, "Detection and Enumeration of Bacterial Pathogens in the American Oyster (Crassostrea virginica)" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 408.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/408