Enteric Bacteriophages In Saint Louis Bay, Mississippi

Samples from four stations in Saint Louis Bay, Mississippi were examined monthly for the presence of enteric bacteriophages over the period from July 1971 to March 1972. The samples were of surface and bottom water, bottom sediment, and surface and gut of fish and oysters. Host bacteria tested were Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella schottmuelleri and Shigella alkalescens. No bacteriophages for Salmonella schottmuelleri or Shigella alkalescens were detected. Bacteriophages of Escherichia coli and Enterobacter aerogenes were isolated regularly, most commonly from surface water samples. MPN estimations of E. coli bacteriophage concentrations in surface water samples were determined over the period from December to March. Wide variations in E. coli bacteriophage concentrations were encountered. The data indicated a pattern of seasonal variation. This method provided a rapid and simple means for estimation of coliphage concentrations in water. Enteric bacteriophages could possibly be used as indicators of viral pathogens of fecal origin in water, in a manner similar to the present use of coliforms. Comparisons of E. coli bacteriophage and enteric virus survival in water are necessary to determine the usefulness of these bacteriophages as indicators in routine water quality tests. by Joe Oliver Graves. Jr. "May, 1972." "A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the University of Mississippi in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in the Department of Biology." "This thesis resulted from research in conjunction with the Sea Grant Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the Universities Marine Center"--Acknowledgment. Also available online in PDF via the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium. M.S. University of Mississippi 1972. Includes bibliographical references (pages 26-27).