scholarly journals Influence of seasonality on the presence of okadaic acid associated with Dinophysis species: A four-year study in Sardinia (Italy)

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro G. Mudadu ◽  
Anna Maria Bazzoni ◽  
Riccardo Bazzardi ◽  
Giuseppa Lorenzoni ◽  
Barbara Soro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Okadaic Acid ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
Bivalve Molluscs ◽  
Toxic Algae ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
Lipophilic Toxins ◽  
Production Areas

In Sardinia (Italy), bivalve molluscs production plays an important role in the trade balance. Diarrhoetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), an intoxication caused by the ingestion of bivalve molluscs that have accumulated high levels of Okadaic acid (OA), may represent a serious risk for the public health and a remarkable economic loss for the producers. Aim of this work was to improve knowledge about the repeatability of OA accumulation phenomena in various seasons trying to understand whether or not there was a trend. Also, the interaction between toxic algae and OA accumulation was examined. In this study, data of lipophilic toxins, water temperature and abundance of DSP-producing microalgal species were collected in a four-year period (2015–2018) in coastal production areas of Sardinia. Several episodes of OA positive values (>160 eq μgAO/Kg pe, Reg 853/04) were recorded during the study period in different production areas of Sardinia and in different seasons. A seasonal repeatability of OA accumulation in molluscs was observed in some production areas; moreover, different temporal gaps between the presence of toxic algae and OA accumulation were reported. Toxicity was observed almost exclusively in Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamark (99%), being this matrix the most abundant species bred in Sardinia.

scholarly journals New Trends in the Occurrence of Yessotoxins in the Northwestern Adriatic Sea

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 634
Author(s):  
Silva Rubini ◽  
Sabrina Albonetti ◽  
Simonetta Menotta ◽  
Antonio Cervo ◽  
Emanuele Callegari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adriatic Sea ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Optimal Management ◽  
Bivalve Molluscs ◽  
Marine Waters ◽  
Toxic Algae ◽  
Marine Biotoxins ◽  
Lipophilic Toxins ◽  
Production Areas

Yessotoxins (YTXs) are polycyclic toxic ether compounds produced by phytoplanktonic dinoflagellates which accumulate in filter-feeding organisms. We know that the water temperature in our areas Northwestern Adriatic Sea is optimal for the growth of potentially toxic algae (around 20 °C). In recent years, these temperatures have remained at these levels for longer and longer periods, probably due to global warming, which has led to an excessive increase in toxin levels. The interruption of mussel harvesting caused by algae negatively affects farmers’ revenues and the availability of local fish, causing a major economic loss in Italy’s main shellfish sector. Methods: In the nine years considered, 3359 samples were examined: 1715 marine waters, 73 common clams; 732 mussels; 66 oysters; and 773 veracious clams. Bivalve molluscs were examined for the presence of marine biotoxins, including YTXs, while potentially toxic algae, including those producing YTXs, were searched for and counted in marine waters. The method adopted for the quantification of lipophilic toxins involves the use of an LC-MS/MS system. The enumeration of phytoplankton cells was performed according to the Utermhöl method. Results: Between 2012 and 2020, 706 molluscs were tested for YTXs. In total, 246 samples tested positive, i.e., 34.84%. Of the positive samples, 30 exceeded the legal limit. Conclusion: In this regard, it is essential to develop and activate, as soon as possible, an “early warning” system that allows a better control of the production areas of live bivalve molluscs, thus allowing an optimal management of the plants in these critical situations.

scholarly journals First Report of Okadaic Acid and Pectenotoxins in Individual Cells of Dinophysis and in Scallops Argopecten purpuratus from Perú

Toxins ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Alcántara-Rubira ◽  
Víctor Bárcena-Martínez ◽  
Maribel Reyes-Paulino ◽  
Katherine Medina-Acaro ◽  
Lilibeth Valiente-Terrones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Okadaic Acid ◽  
Harmful Algal Bloom ◽  
Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
The South ◽  
First Report ◽  
The North ◽  
Cell Quota ◽  
Regulatory Limits ◽  
Argopecten Purpuratus ◽  
Production Areas

Causative species of Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) and toxins in commercially exploited molluscan shellfish species are monitored weekly from four classified shellfish production areas in Perú (three in the north and one in the south). Okadaic acid (OA) and pectenotoxins (PTXs) were detected in hand-picked cells of Dinophysis (D. acuminata-complex and D. caudata) and in scallops (Argopecten purpuratus), the most important commercial bivalve species in Perú. LC-MS analyses revealed two different toxin profiles associated with species of the D. acuminata-complex: (a) one with OA (0.3–8.0 pg cell−1) and PTX2 (1.5–11.1 pg cell−1) and (b) another with only PTX2 which included populations with different toxin cell quota (9.3–9.6 pg cell−1 and 5.8–9.2 pg cell−1). Toxin results suggest the likely presence of two morphotypes of the D. acuminata-complex in the north, and only one of them in the south. Likewise, shellfish toxin analyses revealed the presence of PTX2 in all samples (10.3–34.8 µg kg−1), but OA (7.7–15.2 µg kg−1) only in the northern samples. Toxin levels were below the regulatory limits established for diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) and PTXs (160 µg OA kg−1) in Perú, in all samples analyzed. This is the first report confirming the presence of OA and PTX in Dinophysis cells and in shellfish from Peruvian coastal waters.

scholarly journals Monitoring the presence of domoic acid in the production areas of bivalve molluscs

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachele Rossi ◽  
Olga Arace ◽  
Maria Giovanna Buonomo ◽  
Daniela Capozzo ◽  
Vincenzo Castellano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Experimental Method ◽  
Domoic Acid ◽  
Food Poisoning ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Official Method ◽  
Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
Bivalve Molluscs ◽  
Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
Production Areas

Algal biotoxins, chemical compounds produced by some microscopic algae, constitute the <em>phytoplankton</em>. The mussels, feeding on phytoplankton, can accumulate these compounds to become themselves toxic. There have been several cases of food poisoning by consumption of contaminated shellfish. Such food poisoning have pushed our health care system to provide monitoring of shellfish in the framework of the monitoring plans carried out by AASSLL. In this paper we report the results obtained monitoring the presence of ASP (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning) biotoxins, like domoic acid (DA) and its isomers, produced by <em>Pseudonitzschia</em> algae. The analysis were carried out by using both the HPLC-UV official method and an experimental method performed with a Time of Flight mass spectrometer (ESI-TOF). The 100% of samples analysed by the official method have always been below the limits of sensitivity (except one sample), the 65% of samples analysed by ESI-TOF, showed the presence of domoic acid.

First Detection and Seasonal Variation of Lipophilic Toxins Okadaic Acid, Dinophysistoxin-1, and Yessotoxin in Korean Gastropods

2012 ◽  
Vol 75 (11) ◽  
pp. 2000-2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
KA JEONG LEE ◽  
JONG SOO MOK ◽  
KI CHEOL SONG ◽  
HONGSIK YU ◽  
DOO SEOG LEE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Okadaic Acid ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
Marine Animals ◽  
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass ◽  
Lipophilic Toxins ◽  
Digestive Glands ◽  
Pectenotoxin 2

Okadaic acid (OA), dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX1), pectenotoxin-2, and yessotoxin (YTX) are classes of lipophilic toxins found in marine animals. OA and DTX1 accumulation causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, a worldwide public health problem. Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning has not previously been reported in gastropods, which are widely consumed in Korea. Seasonal variation in marine lipophilic toxins in gastropods was investigated using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Eighty specimens of Neptunea cumingii, 65 specimens of Rapana venosa, and 95 specimens of Batillus cornutus were collected at the Tongyeong fish market on the southern coast of Korea between May 2009 and December 2010. OA, DTX1, and YTX were detected in meat and digestive glands in all gastropod species studied. Pectenotoxin-2 was not found in any sample tested. Lipophilic toxins were detected in the digestive glands of gastropods; no lipophilic toxin was detected in the salivary glands of the carnivorous gastropods, N. cumingii and R. venosa. The highest concentrations of OA (21.5 ng/g) and DTX1 (8.4 ng/g) were detected in the digestive glands of R. venosa, and the maximum concentration of YTX (13.7 ng/g) was found in the digestive glands of N. cumingii. The maximum toxicities in gastropod tissues were lower than the European standard for acceptable levels. The concentrations of lipophilic toxins in carnivorous gastropods showed a high degree of seasonal variation; lipophilic toxins in carnivorous gastropods were found predominantly in spring and summer. This is the first report of the occurrence of lipophilic toxins in Korean gastropods.

scholarly journals Detection of Dinophysis species and associated okadaic acid in farmed shellfish: a two-year study from the western Mediterranean area

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Maria Bazzoni ◽  
Alessandro G. Mudadu ◽  
Giuseppa Lorenzoni ◽  
Barbara Soro ◽  
Nadia Bardino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Okadaic Acid ◽  
Mytilus Galloprovincialis ◽  
Algal Species ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
Toxic Phytoplankton ◽  
Human Intoxication ◽  
Lipophilic Toxins ◽  
Harmful Effects

AbstractIntroductionDiarrhoetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), an alimentary intoxication known to lead to intestinal symptoms, and caused by toxins produced by some dinoflagellates (including several Dinophysis), represents a serious threat to public health. The aim of this paper was to provide information about the occurrence and abundance of potentially toxic harmful algal species causing DSP, and the associated concentration of okadaic acid (OA) toxins. The departing assumption was that in the study area there was an increase in the presence both of Dinophysis species and OA and its derivates that could result in a risk to the health of seafood consumers.Material and MethodsDuring 2015–2016, water and shellfish samples were collected in the Mediterranean area (Sardinia, Italy). Dinophysis cells were counted according to Utermöhl’s method from water samples, while mass spectrometry was used to identify lipophilic toxins in molluscs.ResultsA total of 46 non-compliant samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis were observed. Their non-compliance concerned their OA levels above the legal limit. Among toxic dinoflagellates, D. acuminata and D. sacculus were the species found mostly during DSP events.ConclusionNo cases of human intoxication have been reported, but continuous surveillance of toxic phytoplankton is necessary to predict and prevent its harmful effects on human health.

scholarly journals Analysis of the sanitary survey 2015-2017 conducted in the gulf of La Spezia (Italy): Reclassification of the areas of production of live bivalve molluscs

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Giusti ◽  
Erica Costa ◽  
Alice Traina ◽  
Daniele Nucera ◽  
Patrizia Serratore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Good Practice ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Bivalve Molluscs ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Rainfall Seasonality ◽  
Sampling Points ◽  
Class B ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Production Areas

The sanitary survey is aimed at classifying and monitoring the production areas of live bivalve molluscs (LBM) and it is performed using standards that are provided by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science’s Guide to Good Practice. In this study, data from the sanitary survey carried out by the Asl5 Spezzino on the production areas of the gulf of La Spezia during the period 2015-2017 were analysed. The number and type of the analysis performed both on the total sampling and on the individual target species, as well as the number and type of found non-compliance (assessed on both mandatory parameters and on parameters fixed by the local monitoring plan) were considered. Data were also compared with those from the sanitary survey 2012-2014. Appropriate statistic tests were used to evaluate data from E. coli and Norovirus monitoring. Overall, 4306 analysis were performed, especially on the species M. galloprovincialis (89%) and they were mostly focused on to the search of biological agents. 160 NC were detected. Most of the NC concerns the Norovirus’s positivity (93.75%) in M. galloprovincialis and C. gigas. A correlation between the levels of E. coli and rainfall/ seasonality (higher levels in the colder months) was proved, especially in the sampling points located in the inner part of the dam and in the Portovenere Bay. Class B was reconfirmed for M. galloprovincialis, the production areas of C. gigas were reclassified as A and those of V. verrucosa were definitively closed. The sanitary survey was therefore confirmed as a useful tool for reclassification and for monitoring LBM production areas.

scholarly journals Effects of the Marine Biotoxins Okadaic Acid and Dinophysistoxins on Fish

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 293
Author(s):  
Mauro Corriere ◽  
Lucía Soliño ◽  
Pedro Reis Costa
Keyword(s):  
Okadaic Acid ◽  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
Morphological Alterations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Dsp Toxins

Natural high proliferations of toxin-producing microorganisms in marine and freshwater environments result in dreadful consequences at the socioeconomically and environmental level due to water and seafood contamination. Monitoring programs and scientific evidence point to harmful algal blooms (HABs) increasing in frequency and intensity as a result of global climate alterations. Among marine toxins, the okadaic acid (OA) and the related dinophysistoxins (DTX) are the most frequently reported in EU waters, mainly in shellfish species. These toxins are responsible for human syndrome diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Fish, like other marine species, are also exposed to HABs and their toxins. However, reduced attention has been given to exposure, accumulation, and effects on fish of DSP toxins, such as OA. The present review intends to summarize the current knowledge of the impact of DSP toxins and to identify the main issues needing further research. From data reviewed in this work, it is clear that exposure of fish to DSP toxins causes a range of negative effects, from behavioral and morphological alterations to death. However, there is still much to be investigated about the ecological and food safety risks related to contamination of fish with DSP toxins.

Assessment of a Semiquantitative Liquid Chromatography- Fluorescence Detection Method for the Determination of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Toxin Levels in Bivalve Molluscs from Great Britain

2014 ◽  
Vol 97 (2) ◽  
pp. 492-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D Turner ◽  
Monika Dhanji-Rapkova ◽  
Clothilde Baker ◽  
Myriam Algoet
Keyword(s):  
Great Britain ◽  
Fluorescence Detection ◽  
Detection Method ◽  
Reference Method ◽  
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
Official Method ◽  
Shellfish Poisoning ◽  
Bivalve Molluscs ◽  
Paralytic Shellfish

Abstract AOAC Official Method 2005.06 precolumn oxidation LC-fluorescence detection method has been used for many years for the detection and quantitation of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins in bivalve molluscs. After extensive single- and multiple-laboratory validation, the method has been slowly gaining acceptance worldwide as a useful and practical tool for official control testing. In Great Britain, the method has become routine since 2008, with no requirement since then for reverting back to the bioassay reference method. Although the method has been refined to be semiautomated, faster, and more reproducible, the quantitation step can be complex and time-consuming. An alternative approach was developed to utilize the qualitative screening results for generatinga semiquantitative results assessment. Data obtained over 5 years enabled the comparison of semiquantitative and fully quantitative PSP results in over 15 000 shellfish samples comprising eight different species showed that the semiquantitative approach resulted in over-estimated paralytic shellfish toxin levels by an average factor close to two in comparison with the fully quantified levels. No temporal trends were observed in the data or relating to species type, with the exception of surf clams. The comparison suggested a semiquantitative threshold of 800 μg saxitoxin (STX) eq/kg should provide a safe limitfor the determination of samples to be forwarded to full quantitation. However, the decision was taken to halve this limit to include an additional safety factor of 2, resulting in the use of a semiquantitative threshold of 400 μg STX eq/kg. Implementation of the semiquantitative method into routine testing would result in a significant reduction in the numbers of samples requiring quantitation and have a positive impact on the overall turnaround of reported PSP results. The refined method would be appropriate for any monitoring laboratory faced with high throughput requirements.

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