Variation of parasite and fungi infection between farmed and wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819) from the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

Investigation of parasites and diseases affecting molluscs of ecological and economic interest is critical for the management of native stocks and aquaculture. In recent years, much attention has been devoted to investigating the World Organisation for Animal Health listed infectious diseases, so that communities can be prepared to attend public health emergencies and avoid severe income losses. In this context, the health status of Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 was analysed in two aquaculture sites (Strunjan Bay and Piran Bay, Slovenia), and in four natural mussel beds (Adriatic Croatia International Marinas Pula and Rovinj and St Catherine, Croatia; Marina Koper, Slovenia) along the coast of the northern Adriatic Sea. The mussels were sampled in February and April 2014, and processed for histological examination of several endosymbionts and pathogens that frequently occur in mytilid mussels. Endosymbionts and pathogens were not detected in farmed mussels. Prokaryotic inclusion bodies, the protozoan Nematopsis, Ancistrocoma-like ciliates, haplosporidian-like plasmodia, turbellarian Urastoma cyprinae, and basophilic inclusion bodies were observed in digestive gland cryosections of wild mussels from the coastal region of the northern Adriatic. Fungal spores of Psilocybe sp., Ulocladium sp. and Alternaria sp. were detected between the digestive tubules based on their morphology. Diagnostic PCR did not reveal infection with Marteilia refringens during the studied period, neither in wild nor farmed mussels. We confirmed the site effects on prevalence of infected mussels. Thus, we can conclude that wild areas are more exposed to endobionts and parasites than aquaculture sites.

Study of the Impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum I on the Health Status of Queen Scallop Aequipecten opercularis

“…Since shellfish and other organisms that filter seawater are in direct contact with the marine environment, they are vulnerable to diseases [7,8]. High stock density, improper feeding, seawater pollution, and pesticides containing agricultural drainage water affect the risk of bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases in marine shellfish [9].…”

Investigation of the Genotoxic Potential of the Marine Toxin C17-SAMT Using the In Vivo Comet and Micronucleus Assays

“…In Brazil, cultured brown mussels Perna perna were found contaminated with Pestalotiopsi sp. [ 16 ], as well as farmed and wild mussels Mytulis galloprovincialis in the Adriatic Sea [ 17 ]. In the Sea of Japan (Russia), the contamination of yesso scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis , Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas , and bay mussel M .…”

Introduction to the Proceedings of the 52nd European Marine Biology Symposium

“…The ‘General’ session covered a variety of topics, including A. Malej's overview on scyphozoan research in the Adriatic Sea from a historical perspective through modern scientific achievements, besides information of scyphozoans as pest and beneficial organisms for humans. Similarly, in the context that parasite and fungal infection can pose a serious threat to mussel aquaculture, Kovačić et al .’s paper in this issue (Kovačić et al ., 2018) provides readers with new evidence about their prevalence in the Adriatic Sea. Many presentations were dedicated to anthropogenic influences, especially pollution, and their effects on the biodiversity of benthic communities.…”