Results of the Triennial Monitoring over the Ship’s Ballast Water at the Ports of the Rostov-Region

Demonstrated are the results of microbiological monitoring over the ship’s ballast water at the sea ports of the Rostov region. Analyzed for the presence of Vibrio cholerae are the samples of the ship’s ballast water collected within the period of May-September 2010-2012, a total of 179 samples collected from 127 ships. Among 30 V. cholerae non O1/ non O139 strains isolated in 2010-2011 only 13 have been identified serologically. Application of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in 2012 has enhanced informational capacity of the investigations. It has expanded the range and increased the frequency of bacteriological findings. The detection of vibrios implies possibility of V. cholerae importation into the aquatic area of Azov Sea.