Fish assemblage patterns in a subtropical estuary in southern Brazil / Padrões da assembleia de peixes em uma baía subtropical do sul do Brasil

Abstract: In this study, the relationship between fish assemblage structure and environmental factors was analyzed in a bay in southern Brazil. Fish were collected every two months between February and December 2002 at six sampling sites using bottom trawl nets. Abiotic data (salinity, temperature, rainfall, and depth) and biotic data (number of individuals, biomass, and total length of individuals from each species) were obtained. In total, 56 fish species representing 27 families were collected. Assemblage structure varied with seasonality, as was evidenced by the variation in temperature and rainfall in each season. Catches showed a high abundance of demersal fishes, particularly Genidens genidens, Eucinostomus gula, and E. argenteus.

Resumo: Neste estudo, a relação entre a estrutura da assembleia de peixes e fatores ambientais foi analisada em uma baía no sul do Brasil. Os peixes foram coletados a cada dois meses entre fevereiro e dezembro de 2002 em seis locais de amostragem usando redes de arrasto de fundo. Dados abióticos (salinidade, temperatura, precipitação e profundidade) e dados bióticos (número de indivíduos, biomassa e comprimento total de indivíduos de cada espécie) foram obtidos. No total, 56 espécies de peixes representando 27 famílias foram coletadas. A estrutura da assembleia variou com a sazonalidade, conforme evidenciado pela variação da temperatura e precipitação em cada estação. As capturas mostraram grande abundância de peixes demersais, principalmente Genidens genidens, Eucinostomus gula e E. argenteus.

Sociodemographic and pharmacoepidemiological profile of people on antiretroviral therapy in the coast of the state of Paraná

The aim of this study was to investigate possible factors related to antiretroviral therapy (ART) that contribute to the understanding of the highest rate of Aids detection on the coast of the state of Paraná, a port region identified administratively as the 1stRegional Health Division (1stHD) in the state of Paraná. Data on the sociodemographic profile of the population undergoing antiretroviral treatment (ART), medication changes, dropout of therapy, proportion of the population undergoing treatment and viral load were obtained through computerized systems. Between July 1, 2018 and June 31, 2019, 1,393 people were on ART in the 1stRS. Of these, 57.6% were male. During this period, 110 people started ART with a predominance of the age group between 30 and 39 years old. ART was switched for169 people and 211 patient dropouts were detected. The proportion of people diagnosed with HIV without treatment (gap) is still high, however 92.7% people on ART have suppressed viral load. It can be concluded that the lower educational level of the population undergoing treatment, the late diagnosis of those infected and the treatment gapprobably contribute to the highest rate of Aids detection in the 1stRS.

Temporal patterns of fish occurrence of the euryhaline sector of a subtropical estuary, southern Brazil

Fish fauna was studied in five sites of the shallow infralittoral of the Paranaguá Bay during the period from October 1999 to September 2000. At each sampling site, fish were sampled with other trawls, salinity and temperature were measured, water samples were taken from the bottom of the water column for determination of dissolved oxygen, dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate. The spatial and temporal behavior of the environmental variables was analyzed by a Principal Component Analysis; Cluster Analysis was used to gather the sampling sites, and Factorial Correspondence Analysis was applied to the most abundant species. Temperature was themost important variable for the distribution of the months, allowing the division of the study period into hot and cold months. The temporal variation in the fish fauna composition was indicated by cluster analysis, with highest percentages of dissimilarity between the sampling sites during hot months. The variation in dissimilarity between the sites occurred due to differences in the number of individuals and species of the catches. The high frequencies of occurrence of Anisotremus surinamensis, Etropus crossotus, Genidens genidens, Micropogonias furnieri and Sphoeroides greeleyiwere related to high temperatures. The greatest number of fish and species observed in hot months may be related to the life cycle of many species, which reproduce in warmer months, and whose offspring use estuaries as breeding areas.

Seafood Consumption and Blood Cadmium Level of Respondents along the Coastal Area of Melaka, Malaysia

Abstract@#Introduction: Eating seafood has become a major health concern for many people due to the present of heavy metal especially cadmium (Cd). Cd can accumulate in the body and disrupt the normal cellular processes which will eventually lead to organ damage. This study aims to determine the seafood consumption pattern and blood cadmium (BCd) as well as the association between these two variables among respondents living along the coastal area of Melaka. Methods: Pretested questionnaires were used to collect background and food frequency intake from coastal villagers through convenient sampling method. Venous blood samples were analysed by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for BCd determination. Results: A total of 63 respondents who 54% were female with median age of 34 years old provided complete data in this study. The most frequently consumed seafood and its product were shrimp paste (31.5%) followed by mackerel (13.6%), hardtail-scad (6.2%), flatfish (4.5%) and fish ball (4.0). All blood samples showed the present of Cd with median (IQR) = 0.076 (0.1) μg/L and ranged between 0.007 to 1.284 μg/L. The finding showed no association between frequently consumed seafood and low BCd of the respondents. On the other hand, gender was found to be significantly associated with the BCd. Conclusion: Seafood consumption pattern was not significantly associated with BCd which suggests that frequent seafood consumption may not contribute much to BCd level among the respondents as well as it may indicates safe consumption of these seafood available in the study location.

Survey of Gymnophalloides seoi Metacercariae in Natural and Cultured Oysters from Several Western Coastal Areas, Korea

Gymnophalloides seoi (Digenea: Gymnophallidae) is a human intestinal trematode contracted by eating raw oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in the Republic of Korea (=Korea). It has been known to be highly endemic in Aphae Island, Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (Province). However, recent epidemiological status of G. seoi has not been reported since the 1990s. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of G. seoi metacercariae in natural and cultured oysters collected from 3 islands and 2 coastal areas in western parts of Korea. The oysters were examined using the artificial digestion method followed by stereomicroscopy. The overall positive rate of G. seoi metacercariae in natural oysters was 66.0% (99/150), and the oysters collected from Yubu Island showed the highest infection rate (74.0%). However, the metacercarial density per oyster was relatively low (1.5–2.4 per oyster). By contrast, no metacercaria was found in cultured oysters purchased from 2 coastal areas in Chungcheongnam-do. Thus, we could confirm that natural oysters produced from 3 western coastal islands are infected with G. seoi metacercariae, whereas cultured oysters purchased from 2 coastal areas were free from infection.

Infections with Zoonotic Trematode Metacercariae in Yellowfin Goby, Acanthogobius flavimanus, from Coastal Areas of Republic of Korea

To investigate the infection status of zoonotic trematode metacercariae in yellowfin goby, Acanthogobius flavimanus, from coastal areas of the Republic of Korea (Korea), we examined total 344 gobies from 21 localities with an artificial digestion method from 2013 to 2017. The metacercariae of Stictodora lari were most frequently detected in 45.3% goby from 7 localities, i.e., Taean-gun (Chungcheongnam-do), Gochang-gun (Jeollabuk-do), Muan-gun, Shinan-gun, Haenam-gun (Jeollanam-do), Hadong-gun and Goseong-gun (Gyeongsangnam-do). Their infection rates were 90.0%, 66.7%, 46.7%, 8.0%, 3.3%, 26.7%, and 86.7% and intensities were 1,090, 6.2, 1.6 1.0, 2.0, 2.0, and 7.2 metacercariae per fish infected respectively. Heterophyopsis continua metacercariae were found in 38.2% goby from 6 localities, i.e., Gochang-gun, Muan-gun, Shinan-gun, Gangjin-gun, Boseong-gun (Jeollanam-do) and Goseong-gun, and their intensities were relatively low, 1–21 metacercariae. Stictodora fuscata metacercariae were detected in 61.3% goby from 4 localities, i.e., Taean-gun, Gochang-gun, Hadong-gun and Goseong-gun. Their infection rates were 90.0%, 53.3%, 5.9%, and 73.3% and intensities were 1,081, 3.1, 3.0, and 10.2 metacercariae per fish infected respectively. Heterophyes nocens metacercariae were found in 55.0% goby from Muan-gun and Shinan-gun. Total 3 metacercariae of Isthmiophora hortensis were detected in 2 (8.0%) gobies from Shinan-gun. Total 15 metacercariae of Centrocestus armatus were detected in 5 gobies (33.3%) from Gyeongpo-ho (ho means lake) in Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do. The present study suggests that yellowfin goby, A. flavimanus, acts as the infection sources of zoonotic intestinal flukes in western and southern coastal areas than in eastern coastal areas of Korea.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and prediabetes: Changes during past 10 years in Shandong coastal area / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To determine the changes in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes in residents aged over 20 years in Shandong coastal areas during years 2004-2014. Methods A random stratified cluster sampling was conducted, and 3 944 inhabitants were investigated in Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai, and Rizhao regions. Results (1)The standardized rate of diabetes mellitus prevalence was 10.36% in 2014, increased by 2.38% as compared with 2004 and 0.85% as compared with 2009 (P<0.05). There were 341 newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients, accounting for 57.4% of the diabetes mellitus patients, increased by 6.09% as compared with 2004 and decreased by 4.11% as compared with 2009 (P<0.05). The standardized rate of prediabetes was 12.47% in 2014, increased by 2.63% as compared with 2004 and 0.61% as compared with 2009 (P<0.05). (2) The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose regulation in individuals aged under 50 years in 2014 was significantly higher than that in 2004, but lower than that in 2009 (P<0.05). (3) Compared with 2004 and 2009, the levels of diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol in subjects with prediabetes and diabetes mellitus increased significantly in 2014 (all P<0.05). The levels of serum uric acid in subjects with prediabetes and diabetes mellitus decreased significantly in 2014 (P<0.05). (4) The logistic regression analysis showed that the age, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, triglyceride, LDL-C, systolic blood pressure, and diabetic family history were the risk factors for abnormal glucose regulation, while total cholesterol was the protective factor. Conclusions The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and prediabetes increased during 10 years (2004-2014), but the growth rate dropped precipitously during last five years as compared with the first five years. The age of diabetes mellitus onset is getting older in residents of Shandong coastal area, especially in females. Aging, overweight, hypertension, lipid disorders, and diabetic family history were the risk factors of diabetes mellitus.

Biomonitoring of 33 Elements in Blood and Urine Samples from Coastal Popula-tions in Sanmen County of Zhejiang Province / 法医学杂志

Objective To determ ine the norm al reference values of 33 elem ents, Ag, Al, As, Au, B , B a, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, G a, H g, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, N i, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, Th, Ti, Tl, U , V , Zn and Zr, in the blood and urine sam ples from the general population in Sanm en County of Zhejiang province, a typical coastal area of eastern China. Methods The 33 elem ents in 272 blood and 300 urine sam ples w ere determ ined by inductively coupled plasm a-m ass spectrom etry (ICP-MS ). The norm ality test of data w as conducted using SPSS 17.0 Statistics.The data w as com pared w ith other reports. Results The norm al reference values of the 33 elem ents in the blood and urine sam ples from the general population in Sanm en County w ere obtained, w hich of som e elem ents w ere found to be sim ilar w ith other reports, such as Co, Cu, Mn and Sr, w hile As, Cd, H g and Pb w ere generally found to be higher than those previously reported. There w as a w ide variation betw een the reports from different countries in blood B a. Conclusion The norm al reference values of the 33 elem ents in the blood and urine sam ples from the general population in Sanm en County are established, and successfully applied to tw o poisoning cases.

Pygidiopsis summa (Digenea: Heterophyidae): Status of Metacercarial Infection in Mullets from Coastal Areas in the Republic of Korea

To know the infection status of zoonotic trematode metacercariae in brackish water fish, we surveyed mullets collected from 18 coastal areas in the Republic of Korea. The metacercariae of Pygidiopsis summa were detected in 236 (68.2%) out of 346 mullets examined. They were found in mullets from 15 areas except for those from Boseong-gun (Jeollanam-do), Pohang-si, and Uljin-gun (Gyeongsangbuk-do). Especially in mullets from Taean-gun (Chungcheongnam-do) and Geoje-si (Gyeongsangnam-do), their prevalences were 100% and 95.5%, and the average metacercarial density was more than 1,000 per fish. They were also detected in mullets from 3 coastal lakes, Gyeongpoho, Songjiho, and Hwajinpoho, in Gangwon-do, and their average densities were 419, 147, and 672 per infected fish, respectively. The metacercariae of 5 other heterophyid species, including Heterophyes nocens, Heterophyopsis continua, Metagonimus sp., Stictodora fuscata, and Stictodora lari, were found in the mullets examined. The metacercariae of H. nocens were detected in 66.7, 100, 28.6, 81.6, 3.9, 61.5, and 27.3% of mullets from Muan-gun, Shinan-gun, Haenam-gun, Gangjin-gun, and Boseong-gun (Jeollanam-do), Hadong-gun, and Geoje-si (Gyeongsangnam-do), and their metacercarial intensities were 64, 84, 119, 99, 1, 24, and 24 per fish infected, respectively. From the above results, it has been confirmed that P. summa metacercariae are heavily infected in mullets from coastal areas of Korea. It is suggested that residents who frequently consume raw mullet dish can be easily infected with heterophyid flukes.

New Species and New Records of Buellia (Lichenized Ascomycetes) from Jeju Province, South Korea

A new species and 2 new records of lichen genus Buellia were discovered from Chuja-do Island in Jeju Province during a recent floristic survey: B. chujana X. Y. Wang, S. Y. Kondr., L. Lőkös & J.-S. Hur sp. nov., B. halonia (Ach.) Tuck., and B. mamillana (Tuck.) W. A. Weber. The new species is characterized by a brown, areolate thallus, the presence of perlatolic acid, and a saxicolous habitat. Together with previously recorded species, 10 Buellia species were confirmed from Jeju-do Island. Among these species, 3 growing in the exposed rocky area contained xanthone (yellowish lichen thallus, UV + orange), indicating that production of xanthone in this genus might be a defense strategy against the harm of UV light. Although the genus Buellia has been thoroughly studied in Korea before, novel species have been discovered continuously, and large species diversity has been found in this crustose genus, even from a small rocky island. This study indicates that the coastal area harbors a vast number of crustose lichen species, and there is great potential to discover unknown lichens in the coastal rocky area in Korea.

Comparative Study Of Climate Related Target Diseasesin The Coastal And Plain Area Of Southern Bangladesh

Climate change affects human health by altering the proliferation and distribution of pathogen, vectors and allergen. The objective of this study was toestimate the magnitude of climate related diseases in coastal areas in contrast to the plain area and also to determine their relationship with environmental factors.Thisprospective cross sectional study was conducted in southern part of Bangladesh from April 2012 to March 2013. Two Upazilla for this study were Dakope in coastal area and Terokhada in plain area. Patients of all ages attending the Upazilla Health Complex (UHC) with target diseases were enrolled. Nine target diseases were: water borne (diarrhea, typhoid, viral hepatitis); vector borne (malaria, kalazar, dengue) and systemic diseases (asthma, hypertension, arsenicosis). Target diseases were observed in 1042 patients in Dakope and 1296 cases in Terokhada. Diseases were lowest (20%) in monsoon and highest in winter (42%). Large bulk of patients (31-32%) in both areas were young adult (16-30 years). Diarrhoea was highest (49-53%) in frequency in both areas. A few case of dengue (1%) in Dakope and kala-azar (2%) in Terokhada was found. Hypertension (19% Vs 13%) in Dakope and asthma (11% Vs 16%) in Terokhada was more frequent. Diarrhoea, was significantly higher (p<0.001) in patients with pond water consumption. Bushes/ditches (47%) were more prevalent in dengue prone area and cattleshed/poultry (55%) in kala-azar affected area. Diarrhoea, dengue and hypertension were more frequent in coastal area, conversely kala-azar, asthma was more common in plain area. Water consumption, environment and economy had significant influences over them.

Use of Insecticide-Treated Bednets in an Urban Coastal Area of Puducherry, India: A Cross-sectional Study.

Use of Insecticide-Treated Bednets (ITNs) has been shown to reduce the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases. However, the impact of ITNs depends on its community acceptance. We studied the ITN usage and factors infl uencing it, following the distribution of one ITN to each family in an urban area of Puducherry. Around 93.6% of the 157 respondents surveyed were aware of mosquito-borne diseases. Coils and vaporizers were used in 91.1% of the families. Around two-fi fths (41.3%) of the 116 families who received the ITNs used it regularly with another 5.1% using it irregularly. Majority of the users (85%) reported reduced mosquito bites and pleasant sleep after use. Small size of ITNs was the most common reason for non-use (46.3%). Families not using normal bed nets at the time of distribution of ITNs were unlikely to use ITNs at present (odds ratio = 5.22, P < 0.001). Therefore, ITN size should be increased and distribution in urban settings should accompany behavior change communication.

Association between Low-level Mercury Exposure and Neurobehavioral Functions in Korean Adults Living in a Coastal City

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the association between low-level mercury exposure and neurobehavioral functions in adults living in coastal regions of Korea. METHODS: We selected 172 adults aged 20-65 years living in a city in the coastal region of Korea. A sociodemographic survey was conducted, mercury levels in the blood, urine, and hair were measured, and the associations according to computerized neurobehavioral tests were determined using univariate analysis. After adjustment for associated variables, a multivariate linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The geometric mean mercury levels in the blood, urine, and hair were 5.41 microg/L (range, 0.00-15.84 microg/L), 1.17 microg/g-creatinine (range, 0.00-32.86 microg/g-creatinine), and 1.37 mg/kg (range, 0.42-6.56 mg/kg), respectively. Variables that were associated with simple reaction time according to the neurobehavioral test results were age and urine mercury level. Variables associated with choice reaction time were the recent use of Korean traditional medicine and urine mercury level. Variables associated with the right-hand finger tapping speed test were age, gender, smoking behavior, education level, monthly household income, and urine mercury level. Variables associated with the left-hand finger tapping speed test were age, gender, education level, and urine mercury level. After adjustment for associated variables, there was no significant association between urine mercury level and simple reaction time (beta=25.96; p=0.47), choice reaction time (beta=50.37; p=0.32), or the number of left-hand finger taps (beta=-1.54; p=0.21). However, urine mercury level was significantly associated with the number of right-hand finger taps (beta=-3.86; p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that low-level mercury exposure in adults is associated with deficits in neurobehavioral functions. A longer follow-up study is required to confirm this conclusion.

Genetic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) block 2 allelic types in Plasmodium falciparum field isolates from mountain and coastal area in West Sumatera, Indonesia.

Background: The fi eld isolates of P. falciparum may display variant forms and different frequencies. This study was designed to know the diversity of allelic type of MSP-1 block 2 among P. falciparum isolates collected in a mountain and a coastal area in West Sumatera, Indonesia, and compare mountain and coastal area. Methods: A total of 56 P. falciparum infected blood samples, collected from 27 patients attending local health facilities in South Solok district in a mountain region and 29 patients attending a local health facilities in South Coastal district region, West Sumatera, Indonesia were used in this study. The regions flanking the highly polymorphic characters, block 2 for MSP-1, were genotyped by allele-specific nested-PCR to analyse the population diversity of parasite. Sequence analysis of the polymorphic regions of MSP-1 was also conducted to identify allelic diversity in the parasite population. Results: Diverse allelic polymorphism of MSP-1 was identified in P. falciparum isolates from a mountain area and a coastal area in West Sumatera, Indonesia, and most of the infections were determined to be mixed infections. Sequence analysis of MSP-1 block 2 revelaled that 16 different alleles for MSP-1 (3 for K1 type, 2 for MAD20 type and 2 for RO33 type) were identified. Conclusion: Extensive genetic polymorphism with diverse allele type was identified in MSP-1 in P. falciparum field isolates from a mountain and a coastal area. A high level of mixed infections was also obcserved, as was a high degree of multiplicity of infection.

The inhabitant's iodine nutrition status of some coastal areas in China: a cross-sectional study / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To study whether the measure of consumption of iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders could lead to residents excessive iodine intake in the coastal areas in China.Methods A large population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in four typical costal provinces along the coastline from north to south,including Liaoning,Shanghai,Zhejiang and Fujian.In addition to survey all of its area of Shanghai,the other three provinces' investigation was carried out at urban and rural levels,respectively,including 5 costal cities,5 costal villages and 3 inland rural areas(as a control point) in each province.In each investigated spot,the local water iodine,residents qualified iodized salt consumption rate,per capita daily intake of salt and urinary iodine levels in different populations were investigated.Results A total of 7552 copies of drinking water samples,7996 salt samples and 9873 urine samples of different populations(adults,lactating women,pregnant women and children) were collected from the 4 provinces.Except the coastal cities and counties of Zhejiang province,the qualified iodized salt consumption rates at household were all greater than 90％ in the investigated spots.The median urinary iodine(MUI) of adults and children investigated in the costal areas were in the range of 100 - 299μg/L.The MUIs of lactating women of all investigated areas were all greater than 100 μg/L.The MUI of pregnant women was at an insufficient iodine level which was lower than 150 μg/L in Shanghai,the costal cities of Zhejiang and the coastal counties of Fujian.Conclusions The overall level of iodine nutrition of coastal residents is appropriate; and it is insufficient among pregnant women in some coastal areas; coastal areas should adhere to the salt iodization measures to control iodine deficiency disorders.

Risk factors of bronchial asthma in two contrasting settings–metropolitan and coastal areas of Bangladesh: A case control study.

Background. Seven million people are suffering from bronchial asthma in Bangladesh. But scanty data is available to explain the risk factors for asthma in Bangladesh. Methods. This population-based, age, sex, and economic status matched case-control study was conducted to identify the risk factors responsible for the development of bronchial asthma in two contrasting settings, the metropolitan capital city and coastal area of Bangladesh. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was filled up by face-to-face interviews with the patients or parents of patients with bronchial asthma and the normal controls after a respiratory physician confirmed the diagnosis on the basis of history, physical examination and spirometry. Results. Presence of allergic problems was recognised as risk factors for the development of bronchial asthma. Concomitant existence of atopic diseases, like allergic rhinitis, eczema and allergic conjunctivitis were found to be significant risk factors in both the settings. History of early childhood lung infections, like pneumonia, bronchiolitis and intake of antibiotics and paracetamol in last 12 months were also observed to be the risk factors in both the areas. Though most of the so-called allergic foods were statistically found to be a protective factor in both the settings [odds ratio (OR) 0.48, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.37-0.63 in city area and OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.96 in coastal area], this was considered to be an artifact. Conclusions. Several common risk factors for the development of bronchial asthma were identified in both city and coastal areas of Bangladesh. Bronchial asthma prevention campaign in Bangladesh may focus on sensitising the people on these risk factors.

Occurrence of Proteus mirabilis associated with two species of venezuelan oysters

The fecal contamination of raw seafood by indicators and opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms represents a public health concern. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of enteric bacteria colonizing oysters collected from a Venezuelan touristic area. Oyster samples were collected at the northwestern coast of Venezuela and local salinity, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen of seawater were recorded. Total and fecal coliforms were measured for the assessment of the microbiological quality of water and oysters, using the Multiple Tube Fermentation technique. Analyses were made using cultures and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Diverse enrichment and selective culture methods were used to isolate enteric bacteria. We obtained pure cultures of Gram-negative straight rods with fimbriae from Isognomon alatus and Crassostrea rhizophorae. Our results show that P. mirabilis was predominant under our culture conditions. We confirmed the identity of the cultures by biochemical tests, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and data analysis. Other enterobacteria such as Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii and Klebsiella pneumoniae were also isolated from seawater and oysters. The presence of pathogenic bacteria in oysters could have serious epidemiological implications and a potential human health risk associated with consumption of raw seafood.

A contaminação fecal de frutos do mar crus por microrganismos oportunistas patogênicos representa problema de saúde pública. O objetivo deste estudo é investigar a presença de bactérias entéricas que colonizam ostras coletadas em área turística da Venezuela. Amostras de ostras foram coletadas na costa noroeste da Venezuela e foram registrados a salinidade local, pH, temperatura e o oxigênio dissolvido na água do mar. O total de coliformes fecais foi medido para a avaliação da qualidade microbiológica da água e das ostras, usando a técnica de fermentação em tubos múltiplos. Análises foram feitas usando culturas e seqüência do gene 16S rRNA. Enriquecimento diversificado e métodos de cultura seletivos foram usados para isolar a bactéria entérica. Obtivemos culturas puras de bastões retos Gram negativos com fímbrias de Isognomon alatus e Crassostrea rhizophorae. Nossos resultados mostram que P. mirabilis foi predominante nas nossas condições de cultura. Confirmamos a identidade das culturas por testes bioquímicos, seqüência do gene 16rRNA e a análise de dados. Outras enterobactérias como Escherichia coli, Morganella morganii e Klebsiella pneumoniae foram também isoladas da água do mar e ostras. A presença de bactérias patogênicas em ostras podem ter implicações epidemiológicas e potencial risco para a saúde humana quando do consumo de frutos do mar crus.