Methodological advances in the detection of biotoxins and pathogens affecting production and consumption of bivalve molluscs in a changing environment

Frederico M Batista; Robert Hatfield; Andrew Powell; Craig Baker-Austin; James Lowther; Andrew D Turner

doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102896

Methodological advances in the detection of biotoxins and pathogens affecting production and consumption of bivalve molluscs in a changing environment

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2023 Apr:80:102896. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102896. Epub 2023 Feb 9.

Authors

Frederico M Batista¹, Robert Hatfield², Andrew Powell², Craig Baker-Austin², James Lowther², Andrew D Turner²

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom. Electronic address: frederico.batista@cefas.gov.uk.
² Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom.

PMID: 36773575
DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102896

Abstract

The production, harvesting and safe consumption of bivalve molluscs can be disrupted by biological hazards that can be divided into three categories: (1) biotoxins produced by naturally occurring phytoplankton that are bioaccumulated by bivalves during filter-feeding, (2) human pathogens also bioaccumulated by bivalves and (3) bivalve pathogens responsible for disease outbreaks. Environmental changes caused by human activities, such as climate change, can further aggravate these challenges. Early detection and accurate quantification of these hazards are key to implementing measures to mitigate their impact on production and safeguard consumers. This review summarises the methods currently used and the technological advances in the detection of biological hazards affecting bivalves, for the screening of known hazards and discovery of new ones.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Bioaccumulation*
Bivalvia*
Marine Toxins* / analysis

Substances

Marine Toxins