ABSTRACT
Bivalves can concentrate biological and chemical pollutants, causing foodborne outbreaks whose occurrence is increasing, due to climatic and anthropic factors that are difficult to reverse, hence the need for improved surveillance. This study aimed to evaluate the hygienic qualities of bivalves sampled along the production and distribution chain in Sicily and collect useful data for consumer safety. Bacteriological and molecular analyses were performed on 254 samples of bivalves for the detection of enteropathogenic Vibrio, Arcobacter spp., Aeromonas spp., Salmonella spp., and beta-glucuronidase-positive Escherichia coli. A total of 96 out of 254 samples, collected in the production areas, were processed for algal biotoxins and heavy metals detection. Bacterial and algal contaminations were also assessed for 21 samples of water from aquaculture implants. Vibrio spp., Arcobacter spp., Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli were detected in 106/254, 79/254, 12/254, 16/254, and 95/254 molluscs, respectively. A total of 10/96 bivalves tested positive for algal biotoxins, and metals were under the legal limit. V. alginolyticus, A. butzleri, and E. coli were detected in 5, 3, and 3 water samples, respectively. Alexandrium minutum, Dinophysis acuminata, Lingulodinium polyedra, and Pseudonitzschia spp. were detected in water samples collected with the biotoxin-containing molluscs. Traces of yessotoxins were detected in molluscs from water samples containing the corresponding producing algae. Despite the strict regulation by the European Commission over shellfish supply chain monitoring, our analyses highlighted the need for efficiency improvement.
ABSTRACT
Marine biotoxins can accumulate in filter- feeders bivalve molluscs, that may represent a source of potential health problems being vectors of toxins, that are transferred to humans through their consumption. Harmful Algal Blooms impact on aquaculture may give also economic losses due to temporary closures of contaminated shellfish harvest and marketing. The presence of toxic algae for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), with recurrent toxic blooms of dinoflagellates, such as several Alexandrium species, been known since 2000 in the waters of an Ionian bay of Sicily, the Syracuse harbour, where shellfish farms are located. Our previous works reported in this area the positivity for PSP toxin in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) with saxitoxin concentrations above the limit of the law and the simultaneous presence of toxic species of the genus Alexandrium in the waters. This work reports new recent episodes of algal blooms of Alexandrium minutum in the waters of the Syracuse harbour and PSP toxin contamination in farmed mussels, with values beyond the limits established by law, with the consequent immediate closure of the production area. PSP toxicity was detected with the MBA (Mouse Bioassay) with the confirm carried out with Lawrence method to quantify the total saxitoxin equivalents and characterize the toxic profile. Regular application of the implemented health plan is very important in order to prevent any risk and protect consumer health.
ABSTRACT
Paralytic shellfish poisoning is a human intoxication syndrome associated with the consumption of seafood that has been contaminated with paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), a group of natural neurotoxic alkaloids produced by marine dinoflagellates, including some Alexandrium species. This study presents findings of PSTs in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) during 2018-2019 in several mollusc production areas of Sardinia (Italy, western Mediterranean). Investigations of the presence and abundance of PST-producing microalgal species in marine water and of the toxins associated with shellfish were carried out concomitantly. Overall, the results suggested a spatio-temporal expansion of Alexandriumpacificum and Alexandriumminutum in recent years, with an increasing number of PSTs present in molluscs and increased occurrences of toxicity cases. Liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection determined the toxin profile to be composed primarily of the carbamate gonyautoxin-5 and N-sulphocarbamoyltoxins 1 and 2. The study highlights the potential high risk to consumers of poisoning by bivalve molluscs bred in Sardinia, where shellfish production is a very important industrial sector. For this reason, routine monitoring is strongly recommended in order to mitigate any harm to human health as well as negative socio-economic consequences.
Subject(s)
Aquaculture , Dinoflagellida , Marine Toxins/toxicity , Mollusca , Animals , Humans , Italy , Mytilus , Shellfish , Shellfish PoisoningABSTRACT
Evaluar y conocer la salud bucal en personas mayores institucionalizadas, residentes en la ciudad de Lima. Se trabaj¢ en dos centros geri tricos ubicados en dos distritos de la ciudad de Lima. Material y mtodos. Estudio descriptivo transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 24 personas. Se realiz¢ la recopilaci¢n de los datos sociodemogr ficos mediante un cuestionario, una percepci¢n del evaluador sobre el estado de salud extra oral, ATM, estado de las mucosas, presencia y estado de la pr¢tesis dental, frecuencia del cepillado y una percepci¢n de la persona sobre su estado de salud bucodental. Adem s, se aplic¢ el test de Pfeiffer para verificar su estado de orientaci¢n y lucidez, el ¡ndice de Eichner para la oclusi¢n, el ¡ndice diente cariado perdido obturado (CPOD) y el ¡ndice de higiene oral simplificado (IHOS). Resultados. El 33,33% present¢ caries dental, mientras el 66,67% era edntulo. El promedio del CPOD fue de 27,66. Y el ¡ndice IHOS el 50,00% era malo, teniendo presente que 41,67% era edntulo parcial o total. Se tuvo la percepci¢n que el 62,50 % ten¡a una salud bucal regular. Seg£n el ¡ndice de Eichner, registrando contacto en premolares y molares, encontramos que el 83,33% estaba en la escala C. En el test de Pfeifer, para conocer el estado de lucidez y orientaci¢n de las personas encontramos que el 41,67% present¢ una funci¢n intelectual intacta. Conclusiones. El estado de salud bucal de los pacientes institucionalizados se encuentra bajo una perspectiva mala, teniendo como premisa que a mayor edad, mayor el edentulismo, sin embargo, la ausencia de piezas dentarias no ha sido condicionante para que las personas sean portadoras de pr¢tesis dentales.
To evaluate and know the oral health of institutionalized elderly residents in the city of Lima. We worked in two elderly homes located in two districts of the city of Lima. Material and methods. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 24 people. Collection of demographic data was made through a questionnaire, a perception of the evaluator on the extra oral health status, ATM, mucosal status, presence and denture status, frequency of brushing and person perception about its performance of their oral health status. Furthermore Pfeiffer test was applied to verify the status of guidance and clarity; Eichner index for occlusion, the index lost sealed carious tooth (DMFT) and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI). Results. 33.33% presented dental caries, while 66.67% were edentulous. The average of DMFT was 27.66. And the OHI index 50.00% was bad, considering that 41.67% were partially or totally edentulous. Perception that 62.50% had a regular oral health were reported. According to Eichner index, recording contact in premolars and molars, found that 83.33% were in level C. The test Pfeifer, to know the state of alertness and orientation of people find that 41.67% had an intact intellectual function. Conclusions. The oral health status of institutionalized patients is under a bad perspective, with the premise that the older ones had more edentulism, however the lack of teeth has not been conditioning for people to carry dentures.
