Ecology of Vibrio vulnificus in Galveston Bay oysters, suspended particulate matter, sediment and seawater: detection by monoclonal antibody - immunoassay - most probable number procedures.

Samples of oysters, suspended particulate matter, sediment, and seawater were used to study the marine pathogen Vibrio vulnificus. Using a species-specific monoclonal antibody in an enzyme immunoassay - most probable number procedure, Vibrio vulnificus was detected only in sediment samples during the winter months. During the spring, the levels increased in the sediment samples followed by increased concentrations in the oysters and suspended particulate matter. Temperature and salinity seemed to be the major factors involved. The highest levels of Vibrio vulnificus were found in the suspended particulate matter samples.