B.Sc: Microbiology and toxicological screening in bivalves

Sicilian’s bivalves Farms

6 Months Project

Heat Shock

resistant

Salmonella spp.

Escherichia Coli

Paralytic Shellfish PoisoningAmnesic Shellfish PoisoningDiarrheic Shellfish Poisoning

Not well cooked

Well cooked

AIM: Evaluating the presence of either faecal microorganisms and/or algal toxins

Microbiological Screening

1. Samples enrichment

2. Colonies isolation through selective media

3. Biochemical identification:

- Macro-methods- Micro-methods

Bio-toxicological Screening

1. Chemical (pH) and physical treatments (centrifugation) of samples

2. Injection of the sample into blood veins

Sample extraction

Salmonella Escherichia Coli

TBXXLD

TSI

Macro-methodsSelective media

Micro-methodsSelective media

API 20 E: Different dehydrated substrates

Bio-toxicological Screening

Intra-peritoneal injection of the bivalve extract into lab mice

PSP ASP

Results: Luckily none of the samples was found contaminated either from toxic bacteria or algal toxins

Techniques learned : Media and solution preparation Bacteria culturing Microbial screening through biochemistry techniques