Survival of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in estuarine and sea water and in association with clams

Vibrio parahaemolyticus was observed to survive in filtered estuarine water for about 9 days and in filtered sea water for over 18 days at ambient temperature (28 ± 2°C). No change of hemolytic properties (Kanagawa reactivity) was observed during survival in sea water at ambient temperature or at 20°C. In clams (Meretrix casta) held live in the laboratory, survival of V. parahaemolyticus was noted for 42 days. No significant difference was noted between Kanagawa positive and Kanagawa negative strains with respect to their ability to survive in association with clams.