A review on microbial contamination cases in Tunisian coastal marine areas

Abstract

Microbial pollution in marine environments is one of the critical issues with regard to the sanitary status of recreational activities and seafood harvesting due to a potential contamination by pathogenic microorganisms. This review’s objectives were to identify instances of bacterial, viral and protozoan parasite pollution in the Tunisian coastal region and to make recommendations for further research. Fecal indicators such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were detected in samples of clams and mussels. Vibrionaceae species were also recorded in seawater, sediment, fish and clams in different sites from north to south with the dominance of Vibrio alginolyticus. Bivalve mollusks collected from the Tunisian coast have been revealed to harbor viruses as well as protozoan parasites. Furthermore, the isolation of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains from Tunisian coastlines proves the significant spread and circulation of antibiotic resistance caused by the massive use of antibiotics. In conclusion, we suggest intensive monitoring and cutting-edge wastewater treatment technologies to enhance seawater quality and preserve the biodiversity of aquatic life. Rapid detection techniques for the most important pathogenic microorganisms in seafood and seawater must be also developed to reduce human health risk.