Single and continuous exposure of the adult American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, to marine vibrios
Adult American oysters, Crassostrea virginica, were challenged by single and continuous exposure to high concentrations of vibrios and other bacteria reportedly pathogenic to aquatic animals. A reduction in microbial population in a test system containing oysters compared with an oyster-free control indicated that the mollusks were ingesting or otherwise clearing the bacteria. Oysters exposed to one strain of Vibrio anguillarum experienced higher mortalities than those exposed to the other test organisms, but in no case did mortalities approach those previously found in similarly challenged larval bivalve mollusks. These bacteria appear to be of marginal significance as primary pathogens of adult American oysters.