engleski

Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. isolated for the first time in warty venus (Venus verrucosa) from Kaštela Bay, Adriatic Sea

Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. (Coccidia, Apicomplexa) are obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasites that infect epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal systems of a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including humans. Its importance as a serious public health threat was recognized only since the HIV pandemic. Due to the particular filter feeding behavior of bivalves, these marine organisms are susceptible to the accumulation of coccidian oocysts from the environment and their retention for a certain time, acting as potential zoonotic reservoirs. Previously, we reported presence of Cryptosporidium sp. in the black mussel (Mytilus galoprovincialis) from the Mali Ston Bay inferred by immunofluorescence, showing relatively low level of prevalence (17%). The warty venus (Venus verrucosa), known as a high market value clam species in the Mediterranean, is particularly appreciated on the Spanish and French market. Even though reported catch seems to be low (FAO, 2004), it is suggested that unofficial records are few times that order of magnitude. In Croatia, warty venus is one of the most exploited clam species, that is especially important for local economy. Due to its relatively high market price (~10 EUR/ kg) it is interesting candidate for aquaculture and attempts have been made to develop breeding protocols. Assessment of health status of natural bivalve populations is crucial for understanding population rhythms, larval recruitment success and growth, especially when the species is commercially harvested and has a potential for introduction in aquaculture. Given venus top position on Croatian shellfish market and consumers habits to prepare the shellfish lightly cooked, we asses epizootiology and seasonal distribution of two apicomplexans Cryptosporidium sp. and Giardia sp. by immunoflorescence (Merifluo kit) and PCR. Highest number of Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts was observed in autumn (45/ kg of bivalve), while the highest number of Giardia sp. was recorded in winter (556/ kg of bivalve). Interestingly, oocyst abundance of Giardia sp. was 14 times higher than that of Cryptosporidium sp.

Cryptosporidium ; Giardia ; warty venus

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