Determinacion del perfil microbiologico de la almeja (Lucina pectinata Gmelin, 1791), del ostion de mangle (Crassostrea rhizophorae Guilding, 1828) y las aguas de extraccion de bivalvos de la zona suroeste de Puerto Rico (Spanish text)

The microbiological profile of the clam, the mangrove oyster, and their harvesting waters in the southwestern zone of Puerto Rico, was determined by the analysis of fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., and total plate count. Samples were collected from two areas of the southwest of P.R. (Boqueron and Lajas) between the months of July 2003 to June 2004. Density of fecal coliforms were found to range between 0.48--1.97 log10 cfu g-1 or ml -1; whereas, the density of vibrios were between 0.48--5.04 logo cfu g-1 or ml-1. Total counts fluctuated between 2.40--5.61 logo cfu g-1 or ml -1. Salmonella was not detected in any of the samples. The majority of the samples were in compliance with the regulations of the National Shellfish Sanitation Program (NSSP). No significant correlation was found between the density of vibrios and salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen or temperature.