Pathogenic microorganisms in seawater samples of the Brazilian port of Rio Grande: a public health problem

Abstract

Objective: To identify microorganisms in the water of the Brazilian southern Port of Rio Grande, including bacteria, protozoa and fungus. Methodology: Water samples were obtained between June and November 2006, in representative sites of the Port of Rio Grande, Brazil, and analyzed for the presence of bacteria, protozoa and fungus. Qualitative and quantitative counts of microorganisms were performed. Results: Higher counts of total and fecal coliforms were identified in all points. Protozoa were found in 61.9% of the samples. The most common were Acanthamoeba spp. (28.6%), Giardia spp (16.7%), Criptosporidum spp. (9.5%) and Naegleria spp. (7.1%). Fungus were positive in 88.3% of the samples and the most frequent were Aspergillus spp. (33.1%), Penicillium spp.(23.8%) Cladosporium spp. (21.4%), Rodothorula spp. (11.9%). Conclusions: Port water of Rio Grande contains pathogenic bacteria as well as protozoa and fungus, which demands appropriate surveillance and measures to reduce the potential hazard in view of deballasting and ballasting ship activities.