Enterococci are common, commensal members of gut communities in mammals and birds,
yet they are also opportunistic pathogens that cause millions of human and animal infections …

Human activities impact marine ecosystems at a global scale and all levels of complexity of
life. Despite their importance as key players in ecosystem processes, the stress caused to …

Enterococci are found in high concentrations in human feces, usually between 104 and 106
bacteria per gram wet weight (Layton, Walters, Lam, & Boehm, 2010; Slanetz & Bartley …

Background: Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to commonly used antibiotics is linked to
their ability to acquire and disseminate antimicrobial-resistant determinants in nature, and …

Innovative research relating oceans and human health is advancing our understanding of
disease-causing organisms in coastal ecosystems. Novel techniques are elucidating the …

Beach sand is a habitat that supports many microbes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and
protozoa (micropsammon). The apparently inhospitable conditions of beach sand …

Swimming in ocean water, including ocean water at beaches not impacted by known point
sources of pollution, is an increasing health concern. This study was an initial evaluation of …

Recent studies suggest that sand can serve as a vehicle for exposure of humans to
pathogens at beach sites, resulting in increased health risks. Sampling for microorganisms …

Fecal indicator levels in nearshore waters of South Florida are routinely monitored to assess
microbial contamination at recreational beaches. However, samples of sand from the surf …

Uncontrolled tourism development threatens the fragile equilibrium of coastal ecosystems
and compromises the environmental services they provide. The beach system especially …