Abstract:
Shellfish are filter feeders. They are able to ingest particles in suspension that
may carry pathogenic microorganisms. The short necked clam, Orbicularia orbiculata
locally named as !ala were purchased from three different stalls ( each 100 grams
samples of each stalls) at Semerak, Pasir Puteh. They were screened for coliform
bacteria and Salmonella spp. via Most Probable Number (MPN) method and identified
to species level using 13 biochemical and morphological tests. The pathogens such as
Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Salmonella spp. were isolated from Orbicularia
orbiculata. These pathogens are common cause of food borne illness associated with
seafood consumption. Pure cultures of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Salmonella
spp. obtained from positive results were tested for their growth pattern by streak plate
methods and biochemical test for confirn1ation.
