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Clostridium botulinum in aquatic environments in Great Britain and Ireland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

G. R. Smith ,
R. A. Milligan  and
Caroline J. Moryson
G. R. Smith
Affiliation:
Nuffield Laboratories of Comparative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, LondonNW1 4RY
R. A. Milligan
Affiliation:
Nuffield Laboratories of Comparative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, LondonNW1 4RY
Caroline J. Moryson
Affiliation:
Nuffield Laboratories of Comparative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, LondonNW1 4RY
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Mud samples from aquatic environments in many parts of Great Britain and Ireland were collected, mainly in 1975 and 1976, and examined for Clostridium botulinum. The samples were taken from lakes, ponds, reservoirs, marshes, mud-fiats, streams, rivers and canals, and the sampling areas included a number of bird refuges and reserves. Of 554 samples 194 (35·0%) were positive and 167 (30·1 %), 19 (3·4%), 6 (1·1%) and 15 (2·7%) contained types B, C, D and E respectively; 13 (2·3%) contained more than one type. Each type demonstrated was found in both fresh-and salt-water environments. Type B was widespread; types C, D and E were demonstrated in widely separated areas in England and Wales, and type C was found in both the north and south of Scotland. The results were compared with those reported earlier in respect of surveys in the London area, the Norfolk Broads and the Camargue (France).

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 80 , Issue 3 , June 1978 , pp. 431 - 438
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

References

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