Clumps of 5,000-mile #seaweed blob bring #flesheating #bacteria to #Florida

https://flip.it/UCABmp

#Vibrio Colonization Is Highly Dynamic in Early #Microplastic-Associated #Biofilms as Well as on Field-Collected #Microplastics

by Katharina Keys, et al, December 2020

Abstract:

"Microplastics are ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems and provide a habitat for biofilm-forming bacteria. The genus Vibrio, which includes potential #pathogens, was detected irregularly on microplastics. Since then, the potential of microplastics to enrich (and serve as a vector for) Vibrio has been widely discussed. We investigated Vibrio abundance and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) composition on polyethylene and polystyrene within the first 10 h of colonization during an in situ incubation experiment, along with those found on particles collected from the Baltic Sea. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and co-occurrence networks to elaborate the role of Vibrio within biofilms. Colonization of plastics with Vibrio was detectable after one hour of incubation; however, Vibrio numbers and composition were very dynamic, with a more stable population at the site with highest nutrients and lowest salinity. Likewise, Vibrio abundances on field-collected particles were variable but correlated with proximity to major cities. Vibrio was poorly connected within biofilm networks. Taken together, this indicates that Vibrio is an early colonizer of plastics, but that the process is undirected and independent of the specific surface. Still, higher nutrients could enhance a faster establishment of Vibrio populations. These parameters should be considered when planning studies investigating Vibrio on microplastics."

#NecrotisingFasciitis #FleshEating #bacteria #plastics #oceans #environment #pollution #seaweed #FleshEating #PublicHealth #wildlife #sea #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #Extinction #Oceans #Pollution

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33396691/

#Florida researchers find ‘high amounts’ of #FleshEating bacteria in #Sargassum

by Dylan Abad, May 30, 2023

"A new study from Florida Atlantic University is uncovering how the seaweed interacts with #plastic debris and Vibrio bacteria to create the 'perfect pathogen storm' for beachgoers and marine life.

"Samples collected by FAU revealed that Vibrio pathogens had harnessed the unique ability to 'stick' to #microplastics within the seaweed blob. The findings further showed that some #Vibrio bacteria had an ‘omnivorous’ lifestyle that targeted both plant and animal hosts.

"'Another interesting thing we discovered is a set of genes called ‘zot’ genes, which causes leaky gut syndrome,' said assistant professor Tracy Mincer, Ph.D.

"For instance, if a fish eats a piece of plastic and gets infected by this Vibrio, which then results in a leaky gut and diarrhea, it’s going to release waste nutrients such nitrogen and phosphate that could stimulate Sargassum growth and other surrounding organisms.

"Simply put, the combination of the bacteria and microplastics could be responsible, in part, for the rapid growth of Sargassum."

#ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #Extinction #Oceans

https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/florida-researchers-find-high-amounts-of-flesh-eating-bacteria-in-sargassum/

Clumps of 5,000-mile seaweed blob bring flesh-eating bacteria to Florida

Scientists are warning of life threatening piles of decomposing algae, with high levels of the flesh-eating #Vibrio #bacteria

Samples are abundant with #plastics which interacted with the algae & bacteria to create a perfect pathogen storm

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jun/03/sargassum-seaweed-algae-florida-bacteria-vibrio

#bacteria #plastics #oceans #environment #pollution #seaweed #FleshEating #PublicHealth #wildlife #sea

#Montreal public #health monitoring #flesheating disease cases in #Terrebonne. Most cases occur after an injury to the skin that becomes red, followed by a rapidly developed illness. Monitor any cuts, pay attention to them if they deteriorate quickly and, if that's the case, to have them looked at by a health-care professional. | CTV News

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/montreal-public-health-monitoring-flesh-eating-disease-cases-in-terrebonne-1.6356807

#Florida #FleshEating #Infection

https://share.newsbreak.com/33786jfr