Detection and enumeration of Arcobacter spp. in the coastal environment of the Straits of Messina (Italy)

Seawater and plankton samples from the Straits of Messina, Italy, were analysed to confirm the occurrence of potentially pathogenic Arcobacter butzleri, A. cryaerophilus and A. skirrowii. Both classical cultural methods and molecular techniques were used as confirmative steps of the growth in enrichment broth to enumerate and differentiate these bacteria. Only A. butzleri was isolated from seawater and plankton samples and was more abundant when associated with plankton than free-living. A. cryaerophilus was occasionally detected by PCR assay from environmental samples. The PCR procedure, used in a combined method, was useful in enumerating Arcobacter spp. in marine environment.