Persistence of Enterobacteriaceae Drawn into a Marine Saltern (Saline di Tarquinia, Italy) from the Adjacent Coastal Zone

Enterobacteriaceae is present in various niches worldwide (i.e., the gastrointestinal tracts of animals, clinical specimens, and diverse environments) hosts some well-known pathogens salmonellas, shigellas pathogenic coliforms). No investigation has focused on its occurrence marine salterns, it not clear if these hypersaline environments could be a reservoir for bacteria including potentially harmful members. In this study, two-year metabarcoding survey was carried out samples collected from different ponds “Saline di Tarquinia” salterns nearby coastal waters. recorded almost constantly seawaters feeding saltern. Its abundance generally higher sea than ponds, probably due to anthropic impact. The same trend evidenced key genus (Escherichia/Shigella) OTU (OTU 5) community. Various parameters affected taxon/OTU abundance: Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia/Shigella OTU5 decreased with increasing salinity rains; moreover, 5 were autumn spring. Although did seem find most favourable conditions high-abundance persistence saltern environment, disappear. These observations suggested environment as potential possible important health implications.