Publications by authors named "Igor Arras"

Abstract: In the present study, we investigated the presence, seasonal distribution, and biomolecular characteristics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in samples of bivalve mollusks (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Crassostrea gigas, and Ruditapes decussatus) harvested and marketed in Sardinia (Italy) between 2017 and 2018. A total of 435 samples were submitted for qualitative determination of Vibrio spp., V.

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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.

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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.

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Calich Lagoon is a Mediterranean coastal lagoon located along the northwestern coast of Sardinia (Italy). The connection to marine and fresh water determines the high productivity of this coastal lagoon. Despite its great potential and the presence of natural beds of bivalve mollusks (), the lagoon has not yet been classified for shellfish production.

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Introduction: Diarrhoetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), an alimentary intoxication known to lead to intestinal symptoms, and caused by toxins produced by some dinoflagellates (including several ), 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 species and OA and its derivates that could result in a risk to the health of seafood consumers.

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This work reports the first communication relating to the presence of yessotoxins in from coastal mussel farms (Sardinia, western Mediterranean) detected during 2008 and 2013 through a monitoring programme. The paper emphasizes how the changes both in yessotoxin permitted limits and used methods, established by legislation, have influenced the interpretation of the obtained results. Consequently, the samples that resulted negative during 2008 would have been positive until August 2013 and negative from September 2013 up to now, and the samples that were positive in 2013 would have been positive in 2008 and negative nowadays, according to Regulation currently in force.

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Article Synopsis
  • Sardinia is a significant producer of edible bivalve mollusks, but it has faced repeated farm closures due to toxic algal blooms since the early 2000s.
  • A monitoring program from January to May 2015 showed that Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) toxins were found in various bivalve samples, while Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxins were detected only once and within legal limits.
  • The study highlighted a consistent presence of potentially toxic algal species, with an increase in DSP toxicity in mussels, but no clear link was established between toxin levels in shellfish and algal species presence, except for a slight correlation with one algal species.
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