Temporal and spatial variability in the distribution of Vibrio vulnificus in the Chesapeake Bay: a hindcast study.
Vibrio vulnificus, an estuarine bacterium, is the causative agent of seafood-related gastroenteritis, primary septicemia, and wound infections worldwide. It occurs as part of the normal microflora of coastal marine environments and can be isolated from water, sediment, and oysters. Hindcast prediction was undertaken to determine spatial and temporal variability in the likelihood of occurrence of V. vulnificus in surface waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Hindcast predictions were achieved by forcing a multivariate habitat suitability model with simulated sea surface temperature and salinity in the Bay for the period between 1991 and 2005 and the potential hotspots of occurrence of V. vulnificus in the Chesapeake Bay were identified. The likelihood of occurrence of V. vulnificus during high and low rainfall years was analyzed. From results of the study, it is concluded that hindcast prediction yields an improved understanding of environmental conditions associated with occurrence of V. vulnificus in the Chesapeake Bay.
Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
Vinita
V
Banakar
Guillaume
G
Constantin de Magny
John
J
Jacobs
Raghu
R
Murtugudde
Anwar
A
Huq
Robert J
RJ
Wood
Rita R
RR
Colwell
D000818:Animals; D061006:Bays / Q000382:microbiology*; D017753:Ecosystem; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000382:microbiology*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008396:Maryland; D054712:Salinity; D017747:Seafood / Q000382:microbiology*; D012623:Seawater / Q000382:microbiology*; D013696:Temperature; D014735:Vibrio Infections / Q000209:etiology; D041261:Vibrio vulnificus / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D014768:Virginia; D014871:Water Microbiology