Enterococci as Fecal Indicator in a Tropical Beach: A Case Study

Abstract

Fecal enterococci are generally not virulent; however, multidrug-resistant strains have emerged as leading causes of hospital-acquired infections. Thus, periodic enterococci monitoring should be included in highly populated cities to control the dissemination of multidrug-resistant strains to the marine environment. This study aimed to quantify enterococci bacteria from water and intertidal sediment samples in a beach located near Rio de Janeiro touristic spots. We also intended to accomplish if enterococci should be included in touristic beaches sanitary monitoring. Toward this approach, we monitored from August to December 2014 fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) at a beach close to some touristic spots through multiple tube method. Although FIB quantification was within sanitary standards of Brazilian legislation, high enterococci densities (=30 MNP.100 mL-1) were detected in the water collected in August. Thus, enterococci monitoring should be included in touristic beaches to avoid the risk of multidrug-resistant bacteria dissemination among swimmers and beachgoers.

Keywords

• bacteria
• fecal indicator
• pollution monitoring
• public health