Feeding of mussel-associated leeches Hemiclepsis kasmiana on bitterling embryos: Novel interaction between parasites in a shared host

We investigated an interaction between bitterlings and a parasitic leech Hemiclepsis kasmiana in freshwater mussel hosts. We found that leeches fed on bitterling eggs and embryos; this may exert a considerable negative effect on bitterling fitness. Host choices by females of three bitterling species may be differently affected by the presence of leeches within mussels; Tanakia limbata apparently avoided laying eggs in infested mussels while T. lanceolata and Acheilognathus rhombeus did not. Our novel findings suggest that relationships between the parasitic leech and the host mussel may be context dependent.

First report of Perkinsus olseni infections in blood cockles Tegillarca granosa on the south coast of Korea

The protozoan parasite Perkinsus olseni has become a focus of attention since it has been responsible for mass mortalities and economic losses in a wide range of bivalve hosts globally. The P. olseni host range along the south coast of Korea may extend beyond what was previously understood, and blood cockles in the Family Arcidae are also suggested to be potential hosts of P. olseni. In the present study, we applied histology and molecular techniques to identify Perkinsus sp. infections in the blood cockles Tegillarca granosa, which have been commercially exploited on the south coast of Korea for several decades. Histology and molecular techniques, including genus-specific immunofluorescence assay, species-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization, and phylogeny based on the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region revealed that T. granosa is infected by P. olseni, although the prevalence was low (0.5%). Histology revealed massive hemocyte infiltrations in the mantle, gill, and digestive gland connective tissues, indicating that the infection exerts negative impacts on the host cockles.

The impact of climate change and pollution on trematode-bivalve dynamics

Coastal ecosystems and their marine populations are increasingly threatened by global environmental changes. Bivalves have emerged as crucial bioindicators within these ecosystems, offering valuable insights into biodiversity and overall ecosystem health. In particular, bivalves serve as hosts to trematode parasites, making them a focal point of study. Trematodes, with their life cycles intricately linked to external factors, provide excellent indicators of environmental changes and exhibit a unique ability to accumulate pollutants beyond ambient levels. Thus, they act as living sentinels, reflecting the ecological condition of their habitats. This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent research on the use of bivalve species as hosts for trematodes, examining the interactions between these organisms. The study also investigates the combined impact of trematode infections and other pollutants on bivalve molluscs. Trematode infections have multifaceted consequences for bivalve species, influencing various aspects of their physiology and behavior, including population-wide mortality. Furthermore, the coexistence of trematode infections and other sources of pollution compromises host resistance, disrupts parasite transmission, and reduces the abundance of intermediate hosts for complex-living parasites. The accumulation process of these parasites is influenced not only by external factors but also by host physiology. Consequently, the implications of climate change and environmental factors, such as temperature, salinity, and ocean acidification, are critical considerations. In summary, the intricate relationship between bivalves, trematode parasites, and their surrounding environment provides valuable insights into the health and sustainability of coastal ecosystems. A comprehensive understanding of these interactions, along with the influence of climate change and environmental parameters, is essential for effective management and conservation strategies aimed at preserving these delicate ecosystems and the diverse array of species that rely on them.

Pathology and infectious agents of unionid mussels: A primer for pathologists in disease surveillance and investigation of mortality events

Freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled groups of organisms in the world, and more than 30 species have gone extinct in the last century. While habitat alteration and destruction have contributed to the declines, the role of disease in mortality events is unclear. In an effort to involve veterinary pathologists in disease surveillance and the investigation of freshwater mussel mortality events, we provide information on the conservation status of unionids, sample collection and processing techniques, and unique and confounding anatomical and physiological differences. We review the published accounts of pathology and infectious agents described in freshwater mussels including neoplasms, viruses, bacteria, fungi, fungal-like agents, ciliated protists, Aspidogastrea, Digenea, Nematoda, Acari, Diptera, and Odonata. Of the identified infectious agents, a single viral disease, Hyriopsis cumingii plague disease, that occurs only in cultured mussels is known to cause high mortality. Parasites including ciliates, trematodes, nematodes, mites, and insects may decrease host fitness, but are not known to cause mortality. Many of the published reports identify infectious agents at the light or ultrastructural microscopy level with no lesion or molecular characterization. Although metagenomic analyses provide sequence information for infectious agents, studies often fail to link the agents to tissue changes at the light or ultrastructural level or confirm their role in disease. Pathologists can bridge this gap between identification of infectious agents and confirmation of disease, participate in disease surveillance to ensure successful propagation programs necessary to restore decimated populations, and investigate mussel mortality events to document pathology and identify causality.

Multipathogen infections and multifactorial pathogenesis involved in noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis) mass mortality events: Background and current pathologic approaches

Disease outbreaks in several ecologically or commercially important invertebrate marine species have been reported in recent years all over the world. Mass mortality events (MMEs) have affected the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis), causing its near extinction. Our knowledge of the dynamics of diseases affecting this species is still unclear. Early studies investigating the causative etiological agent focused on a novel protozoan parasite, Haplosporidium pinnae, although further investigations suggested that concurrent polymicrobial infections could have been pivotal in some MMEs, even in the absence of H. pinnae. Indeed, moribund specimens collected during MMEs in Italy, Greece, and Spain demonstrated the presence of a bacteria from within the Mycobacterium simiae complex and, in some cases, species similar to Vibrio mediterranei. The diagnostic processes used for investigation of MMEs are still not standardized and require the expertise of veterinary and para-veterinary pathologists, who could simultaneously evaluate a variety of factors, from clinical signs to environmental conditions. Here, we review the available literature on mortality events in P. nobilis and discuss approaches to define MMEs in P. nobilis. The proposed consensus approach should form the basis for establishing a foundation for future studies aimed at preserving populations in the wild.

Identification of glycine betaine as a host-derived molecule required for the vegetative proliferation of the protozoan parasite Perkinsus olseni

Perkinsus olseni is an industrially significant protozoan parasite of Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum. So far, various media, based on Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium and Ham's F-12 nutrient mixture with supplementation of fetal bovine serum (FBS), have been developed to proliferate the parasitizing trophozoite stage of P. olseni. The present study showed that P. olseni did not proliferate in FBS-deficient Perkinsus broth medium (PBMΔF), but proliferated well in PBMΔF supplemented with tissue extract of host Manila clams, indicating that FBS and Manila clam tissue contained molecule(s) required for P. olseni proliferation. Preliminary characterization suggested that the host-derived molecule(s) was a heat-stable molecule(s) with a molecular weight of less than 3 kDa, and finally a single molecule required for the proliferation was purified by high-performance liquid chromatography processes. High-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses identified this molecule as glycine betaine (=trimethylglycine), and the requirement of this molecule for P. olsseni proliferation was confirmed by an assay using chemically synthesized, standard glycine betaine. Although glycine betaine was required for the proliferation of all examined Perkinsus species, supplementation of glycine betaine precursors, such as choline and betaine aldehyde, enhanced the proliferation of 4 Perkinsus species (P. marinus, P. chesapeaki, P. mediterraneus and P. honshuensis), but not of 2 others (P. olseni and P. beihaiensis). Thus, it was concluded that the ability to biosynthesise glycine betaine from its precursors varied among Perkinsus species, and that P. olseni and P. beihaiensis lack the ability required to biosynthesize glycine betaine for proliferation.

Molecular and microscopic identification of Eomarteilia granula infection in Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum off the south coast of Korea

A report on the new species Eomarteilia (=Marteilia) granula infecting Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum from Japan in 2014 suggests the possibility of E. granula infecting other Manila clam populations in the Northwest Pacific region, including Korea. In this study, we report the first infections by E. granula in Manila clams off the south coast of Korea. Histology revealed Marteilia-like plasmodia in the digestive tubule epithelia. Tissue imprints demonstrated that each parasite sporangium enclosed 4 spores and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed ultrastructure of primary cells enclosing secondary cells, which contained spores. Mature spores consisted of 3 sporoplasms: outermost, intermediate, and innermost. The outermost sporoplasm showed a peripheral electron-dense monolayer characteristic of E. granula. The 18S rDNA amplified from the Marteilia-like parasite yielded 1784-bp PCR amplicon sequences which were 99.8% similar to that of E. granula previously reported (as M. granula) from Japan. In the molecular phylogenetic analysis, the novel Marteilia-like organism formed a well-supported clade with E. granula. Accordingly, we concluded that the novel Marteilia-like parasite that we found infecting some Korean Manila clams is Eomarteilia granula. Field surveys revealed that the infection was limited to clams of the south coast of Korea, with the prevalence ranging from 3.3 to 5.0%.

Invasion of fish parasite Prosorhynchoides ozakii (Trematoda: Bucephalidae) into Lake Kasumigaura and surrounding rivers of eastern Japan

In 2019 to 2021, the golden mussel Limnoperna fortunei and several freshwater fishes were sampled from 22 sites of the Tone River system including Lake Kasumigaura, Honshu, Japan, to examine the invasion of bucephalid trematodes. The parasite species identification was performed by morphological observation and DNA barcoding based on the sequences of nuclear 28S rDNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1). A total of 1719 mussels were collected from 10 sites, and trematode-infected mussels were detected from 8 sites with prevalences between 0.3 and 42.9%. The sporocysts and cercariae were identified as Prosorhynchoides ozakii, a newly introduced species in the river system. A total of 700 fish individuals belonging to 24 species were collected from 15 sites. Two species of catfishes (Silurus asotus and Ictalurus punctatus) harbored mature or immature adults of Pr. ozakii in the intestine with prevalences between 8.3 and 20% including both host species. The metacercariae of Pr. ozakii were found from the fins and epidermis of 13 fish species from 10 sites (prevalence 4.8-100%). Fishes were heavily infected with metacercariae in fins, which were surrounded by the infiltration of hemocytes and rodlet cells. A population genetic analysis of Pr. ozakii did not show an obvious bottleneck, suggesting the possibility that the parasite was intentionally and repeatedly introduced into the river system.

Gonadal cycle, reproductive indices and detection of parasitism in the clam Ameghinomya antiqua in natural beds of importance for fisheries

The clam Ameghynomia antiqua is a highly important resource for fisheries due to its high catches volume. It is the bivalve mollusc with the highest fisheries landings from natural beds on the Pacific coast of southern South America; however, studies of the reproductive conditions of this species are scarce and date back many years. The object of the present work was to evaluate the reproductive characteristics of the species, analysing its gametogenic and gonadal cycle, and reproductive indices, in fishery locations that present the natural beds with the highest fisheries catches, as well as parasite loads in the species. The gonads of the individuals were sampled monthly over a year and classified into one of three states called: “in development”, “ripe” and “spawned”. Synchrony between the sexes was observed in the indicators of the Gonadosomatic Index and Condition Index in each of the locations, although no synchrony was observed between locations. In the gametogenic cycle, the "ripe" state was observed in females in spring-summer, followed by rapid recovery to new development of the gonads; in males the "ripe" state was observed throughout the year. It was observed that males entered the “spawned” state one month ahead of females. The presence of digenean parasites in the state of metacercariae was detected in the gonads and mantle. No significant differences were found in the prevalence or intensity of infection when analysed by sex and month. The metacercariae were identified, by sequencing of three DNA regions, as belonging to the clade shared by species of the genus Parvatrema and close to the Gymnophalloides; both these genera belong to the family Gymnophallidae of the superclass Digenea. Infection was observed to reduce the gonadal tissue, in some cases causing castration. This is the first record of the presence of these parasites of A. antiqua, with genetic identification at genus level. These results are relevant for act proper management of this resource, which is important for fishing.

Mediterranean mussel faces 'imminent extinction'

[Figure: see text].

Pathophysiological Responses of Pinna nobilis Individuals Enlightens the Etiology of Mass Mortality Situation in the Mediterranean Populations

Due to the rapid decrease of Pinna nobilis populations during the previous decades, this bivalve species, endemic in the Mediterranean Sea, is characterized as 'critically endangered'. In addition to human pressures, various pathogen infections have resulted in extended reduction, even population extinction. While Haplosporidium pinnae is characterized as one of the major causative agents, mass mortalities have also been attributed to Mycobacterium sp. and Vibrio spp. Due to limited knowledge concerning the physiological response of infected P. nobilis specimens against various pathogens, this study's aim was to investigate to pathophysiological response of P. nobilis individuals, originating from mortality events in the Thermaikos Gulf and Lesvos and Limnos islands (Greece), and their correlation to different potential pathogens detected in the diseased animals. In isolated tissues, several cellular stress indicators of the heat shock and immune response, apoptosis and autophagy, were examined. Despite the complexity and limitations in the study of P. nobilis mortality events, the present investigation demonstrates the cumulative negative effect of co-infection additionally with H. pinnae in comparison to the non-presence of haplosporidian parasite. In addition, impacts of global climate change affecting physiological performance and immune responses result in more vulnerable populations in infectious diseases, a phenomenon which may intensify in the future.

Prevalence, genotypes and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii contamination in marine bivalve shellfish in offshore waters in eastern China

We conducted a large-scale epidemiological investigation to detect the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in four marine bivalve shellfish species collected from six representative coastal regions of Weihai, eastern China. Between January 2018 and December 2018, 14,535 marine bivalve shellfish pooled into 2907 samples were randomly collected and examined for T. gondii DNA by a nested PCR assay targeting B1 gene. The results showed that 2.8% (82) of the 2907 pooled samples were tested positive for T. gondii DNA. Two T. gondii genotype (ToxoDB Genotype #9 and ToxoDB Genotype #1) were identified PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Factors that were found significantly associated with the presence of T. gondii DNA in marine bivalve shellfish included the source of samples (being wild) (odds ratio [OR], 3.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00-5.84; p < 0.01), surface runoff near the sampling site (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.47-4.72; p < 0.01), and presence of cats near the sampling site (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.02-3.07; p = 0.04). Moreover, the prevalence of T. gondii DNA in marine bivalve shellfish correlated with temperature (Pearson's correlation: R = 0.75, p = 0.0049) and precipitation (R = 0.87, p = 0.00021). These findings provide new insights into the presence of T. gondii DNA in marine bivalve shellfish and highlight the impact of human activity on marine pollution by such an important terrestrial pathogen pollutant.

A discovery of two new Tetrahymena species parasitizing slugs and mussels: morphology and multi-gene phylogeny of T. foissneri sp. n. and T. unionis sp. n

The presence of parasitic ciliates of the hymenostome genus Tetrahymena was examined in 150 mollusks belonging to six bivalve and 13 gastropod species in Slovakia, Central Europe. Tetrahymenids were detected only in two species, viz., in the invasive Lusitanian slug (Arion vulgaris) and in the native swollen river mussel (Unio tumidus). Although only 10.52% of the examined mollusk taxa were positive, their Tetrahymena infections were very intensive accounting for several hundreds of ciliates per host. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S and 18S rRNA genes as well as of the barcoding region of the gene encoding for cytochrome c oxidase subunit I revealed that both isolates represent new taxa, T. foissneri sp. n. and T. unionis sp. n. The former species belongs to the 'borealis' clade and its nearest relative is T. limacis, a well-known parasite of slugs and snails. Besides molecular data, T. foissneri can be distinguished from T. limacis also morphologically by the body shape of the parasitic-phase form, dimensions of micronuclei, and the silverline system. On the other hand, T. unionis was classified within the 'paravorax' clade along with T. pennsylvaniensis, T. glochidiophila, and T. nigricans. Although these four species are genetically distinct, T. unionis could be morphologically separated only from T. nigricans by body shape and size. The present study suggests that both aquatic and terrestrial mollusks represent interesting hosts for the discovery of novel Tetrahymena lineages.

Parasitism and host behavior in the context of a changing environment: The Holocene record of the commercially important bivalve Chamelea gallina, northern Italy

Rapid warming and sea-level rise are predicted to be major driving forces in shaping coastal ecosystems and their services in the next century. Though forecasts of the multiple and complex effects of temperature and sea-level rise on ecological interactions suggest negative impacts on parasite diversity, the effect of long term climate change on parasite dynamics is complex and unresolved. Digenean trematodes are complex life cycle parasites that can induce characteristic traces on their bivalve hosts and hold potential to infer parasite host-dynamics through time and space. Previous work has demonstrated a consistent association between sea level rise and increasing prevalence of trematode traces, but a number of fundamental questions remain unanswered about this paleoecological proxy. Here we examine the relationships of host size, shape, and functional morphology with parasite prevalence and abundance, how parasites are distributed across hosts, and how all of these relationships vary through time, using the bivalve Chamelea gallina from a Holocene shallow marine succession in the Po coastal plain. Trematode prevalence increased and decreased in association with the transition from a wave-influenced estuarine system to a wave-dominated deltaic setting. Prevalence and abundance of trematode pits are associated with large host body size, reflecting ontogenetic accumulation of parasites, but temporal trends in median host size do not explain prevalence trends. Ongoing work will test the roles of temperature, salinity, and nutrient availability on trematode parasitism. Parasitized bivalves in one sample were shallower burrowers than their non-parasitized counterparts, suggesting that hosts of trematodes can be more susceptible to their predators, though the effect is ephemeral. Like in living parasite-host systems, trematode-induced malformations are strongly aggregated among hosts, wherein most host individuals harbor very few parasites while a few hosts have many. We interpret trace aggregation to support the assumption that traces are a reliable proxy for trematode parasitism in the fossil record.

Parvatrema duboisi (Digenea: Gymnophallidae) Life Cycle Stages in Manila Clams, Ruditapes philippinarum, from Aphae-do (Island), Shinan-gun, Korea

Life cycle stages, including daughter sporocysts, cercariae, and metacercariae, of Parvatrema duboisi (Dollfus, 1923) Bartoli, 1974 (Digenea: Gymnophallidae) have been found in the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum from Aphaedo (Island), Shinan-gun, Jeollanam-do, Korea. The daughter sporocysts were elongated sac-like and 307-570 (av. 395) μm long and 101-213 (av. 157) μm wide. Most of the daughter sporocysts contained 15-20 furcocercous cercariae each. The cercariae measured 112-146 (av. 134) μm in total length and 35-46 (av. 40) μm in width, with 69-92 (av. 85) μm long body and 39-54 (av. 49) μm long tail. The metacercariae were 210-250 (av. 231) μm in length and 170-195 (av. 185) μm in width, and characterized by having a large oral sucker, genital pore some distance anterior to the ventral sucker, no ventral pit, and 1 compact or slightly lobed vitellarium, strongly suggesting P. duboisi. The metacercariae were experimentally infected to ICR mice, and adults were recovered at day 7 post-infection. The adult flukes were morphologically similar to the metacercariae except in the presence of up to 20 eggs in the uterus. The daughter sporocysts and metacercariae were molecularly (ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2) analyzed to confirm the species, and the results showed 99.8-99.9% identity with P. duboisi reported from Kyushu, Japan and Gochang, Korea. These results confirmed the presence of various life cycle stages of P. duboisi in the Manila clam, R. philippinarum, playing the role of the first as well as the second intermediate host, on Aphae-do (Island), Shinan-gun, Korea.

Fecal pellets of giant clams as a route for transporting Symbiodiniaceae to corals

Because more than 80% of species of gamete-spawning corals, including most Acroporidae species, do not inherit Symbiodiniaceae from their parents, they must acquire symbiont cells from sources in their environment. To determine whether photosynthetically competent Symbiodiniaceae expelled as fecal pellets from giant clams are capable of colonizing corals, we conducted laboratory experiments in which planula larvae of Acropora tenuis were inoculated with the cells in fecal pellets obtained from Tridacna crocea. T. crocea fecal pellets were administered once a day, and three days later, cells of Symbiodiniaceae from the fecal pellets had been taken up by the coral larvae. T. crocea fecal pellets were not supplied from the 4^th day until the 8^th day, and the cell densities in the larvae increased until the 8^th day, which indicated the successful colonization by Symbiodiniaceae. The control group exhibited the highest mean percentage of larvae (100%) that were successfully colonized by culture strains of Symbiodiniaceae, and larvae inoculated with fecal pellets reached a colonization percentage of 66.7 ~ 96.7% on the 8^th day. The highest colonization rate was achieved with the fecal pellets containing cells with high photosynthetic competency (Fv/Fm). Interestingly, the genetic composition of Symbiodiniaceae in the larvae retrieved on the 8^th day differed from that in the fecal pellets and showed exclusive domination of the genus Symbiodinium. A minor but significant population of the genus Cladocopium in the fecal pellets was not inherited by the larvae. These experiments provided the first demonstration that the Symbiodiniaceae from tridacnine clams provided via fecal pellets can colonize and even proliferate in coral larvae.

Expression of four new ferritins from grooved carpet shell clam Ruditapes decussatus challenged with Perkinsus olseni and metals (Cd, Cu and Zn)

Iron has a fundamental role in life and in its biochemical reactions but, when in excess, it can promote the formation of free radicals which can lead to cell death. Therefore, managing the levels of iron is essential to regulate the production of oxidative stress related to iron, and ferritins are one of the main protein families involved in this process. Ferritins are ≈480 kDa multimeric proteins composed by 24 subunits, each with 19-26 kDa, which can accumulate up to 4500 iron atoms. Besides their role in managing iron bioavailability, they have also developed a role in organism immunity and defence present throughout evolution. In this work, we identified and characterized, for the first time, four different ferritin subunits in the clam Ruditapes decussatus, a bivalve commercially and ecologically important along the south Atlantic coast and in the Mediterranean basin, which is a major target of the parasitic protozoa Perkinsus olseni, considered one of the main causes of high levels of clam mortality. Following phylogenetic annotation, the four ferritins subunits identified were subdivided into two cytosolic and two secreted forms. All four subunits maintain the canonical ferritin structure with four main helices α (A-D) and a small helix (E), but the secreted ferritins present an additional helix in their N-terminal region (F), located after the signal peptide and with possible antimicrobial properties. Additionally, we identified in ferritin 4 an extra helix α (G) located between helices B and C. These alpha helix domains revealed high degree of similarity with antimicrobial peptides associated with antibacterial and antifungal activities. Analysis of the expression of these subunits showed that ferritins 1 and 2 are ubiquitously expressed while ferritins 3 and 4 are present mainly in visceral mass. Ferritin 1 lacked a putative functional iron response element (IRE) and appeared to be under a tight regulation. Ferritins 2 and 3 showed a strong response to infection by parasite Perkinsus olseni in contrast to ferritin 4, whose main response was related to exposure to a combination of metals. The synergistic effect between metals and infection promoted a general upregulation of the four ferritins. In conclusion, our results suggest that ferritins, besides their function in iron and metals detoxification, may play a determinant role in clam immune response.

Morphological and molecular characterization of larval digenean trematodes (Parvatrema: Gymnophallidae) and their pathological effects on the clam Leukoma thaca (=Protothaca thaca) (Bivalvia:Veneridae) (Molina, 1782) from northern Chile

Trematodes are one of the largest taxa of mollusk parasites. The clam Leukoma thaca is an economically exploited bivalve found along the south-eastern Pacific coast of Peru and Chile. This bivalve is parasitized by various unidentified larval stages of digeneans in the mantle, gonads and digestive gland. The aims of this study were to determine and describe the different larval stages of the digeneans based on morphological characteristics, to identify them at the species level by performing molecular analyses, and to evaluate pathologies associated with the parasites of this clam. Individuals of L. thaca were collected in San Jorge Bay (23°S), Chile, between November 2018 and February 2019. Morphological description was carried out using in vivo and fixed specimens, and analyses including histological and scanning electron microscopy were performed. Individuals were also isolated for molecular analysis using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), including partial subunit 18S rDNA (18S) and small subunit 5.8S gene (5.8S). Morphological characteristics indicated that the metacercaria larval stage belongs to the family Gymnophallidae, genus Parvatrema, which was supported by molecular analysis. Molecular results revealed that metacercaria, sporocysts and cercaria stages found in this clam belong to the same species of Parvatrema (genetic distance 0%), evidencing that this species uses L. thaca as the first and second intermediate host. Pathologies examined in the host were similar in nature to those reported in other gymnophallids in bivalves, but high prevalence of cercariae (20%) in gonads suggested an important castrator effect on the host.

First detection of the invasive Haplosporidian and Mycobacteria parasites hosting the endangered bivalve Pinna nobilis in Thermaikos Gulf, North Greece

Mycobacterium sp. and Haplosporidium pinnae constitute invasive parasite species of bivalves, reported for the first time in the present study in the Aegean Sea and Thermaikos Gulf, respectively. During the last years, the endangered fan mussel (Pinna nobilis) experienced several mortality events in the Mediterranean Sea that caused deaths to 90% or more of their populations and have been attributed to infections by these pathogens. In Greece, two mass mortality events have been recently reported, namely in the Gulf of Kalloni and in Limnos island. In the present study we investigated the presence of both pathogens in P. nobilis from these marine areas as well as from Thermaikos Gulf using both histopathological microscopy and molecular markers. The detected parasite DNA was further quantified in the three populations utilizing a real time qPCR. Histopathological results indicated the presence of a Mycobacterium species alongside with the existence of the Haplosporidian parasite, which was identified in all mortality events in the Mediterranean Sea. The parasite was present in different phases mostly on the digestive gland epithelium. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the taxonomy of the Haplosporidian parasite as the recently described Haplosporidium pinnae, whereas it failed to identify the Mycobacteria parasite at species level. While Mycobacterium sp. was detected in all examined specimens, H. pinnae was not detected in all diseased fan mussels. Interestingly, monitoring of P. nobilis population from Thermaikos Gulf, an estuary of extremely high importance for bivalve production, revealed the presence of both pathogens in a few specimens in higher quantity but with no symptoms of the disease. Besides, all the specimens from Thermaikos Gulf had inflammatory responses similarly to moribund specimens from mortality events.

Development and validation of a specific real-time PCR assay for the detection of the parasite Perkinsus olseni

Perkinsus olseni is a protozoan parasite that infects a wide variety of molluscs worldwide, causing economic losses in the aquaculture sector. In the present study, a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed for the detection and quantification of P. olseni in clam gill tissue and hemolymph (Ruditapes philippinarum and R. decussatus), and the results were compared with those of the standard diagnostic methods recommended by the O.I.E. (World Organisation for Animal Health): Ray's fluid thioglycollate culture method (RFTM), a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay and histopathology. The efficiency, sensitivity and reproducibility of the newly described qPCR assay were also determined. The highest prevalence was detected using the qPCR assay, and the strongest linear correlation was obtained between the RFTM infection levels and the threshold cycle (Ct) number from the gill tissue. Although better results were obtained from gill than from the hemolymph in the qPCR assays, especially with lower infection levels of the parasite, a significant linear correlation was observed between Ct values from the gill and hemolymph. The qPCR assay that was developed in this study showed high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility for the detection and quantification of P. olseni.

Freshwater mussels house a diverse mussel-associated leech assemblage

Freshwater mussels (Unionida) are one of the most imperiled animal groups worldwide, revealing the fastest rates of extinction. Habitat degradation, river pollution and climate change are the primary causes of global decline. However, biological threats for freshwater mussels are still poorly known. Here, we describe a diverse ecological group of leeches (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) inhabiting the mantle cavity of freshwater mussels. So far, examples of mussel-associated leech species are recorded from East Asia, Southeast Asia, India and Nepal, Africa, and North America. This group comprises a dozen glossiphoniid species with a hidden life style inside the mantle cavity of their hosts largely overlooked by researchers. We show that the association with freshwater mussels evolved independently in three leech clades, i.e. Batracobdelloides, Hemiclepsis, and Placobdella, at least since the Miocene. Seven mussel-associated leech species and two additional free-living taxa are described here as new to science.

Tracking a mass mortality outbreak of pen shell Pinna nobilis populations: A collaborative effort of scientists and citizens

A mass mortality event is devastating the populations of the endemic bivalve Pinna nobilis in the Mediterranean Sea from early autumn 2016. A newly described Haplosporidian endoparasite (Haplosporidium pinnae) is the most probable cause of this ecological catastrophe placing one of the largest bivalves of the world on the brink of extinction. As a pivotal step towards Pinna nobilis conservation, this contribution combines scientists and citizens' data to address the fast- and vast-dispersion and prevalence outbreaks of the pathogen. Therefore, the potential role of currents on parasite expansion was addressed by means of drift simulations of virtual particles in a high-resolution regional currents model. A generalized additive model was implemented to test if environmental factors could modulate the infection of Pinna nobilis populations. The results strongly suggest that the parasite has probably dispersed regionally by surface currents, and that the disease expression seems to be closely related to temperatures above 13.5 °C and to a salinity range between 36.5-39.7 psu. The most likely spread of the disease along the Mediterranean basin associated with scattered survival spots and very few survivors (potentially resistant individuals), point to a challenging scenario for conservation of the emblematic Pinna nobilis, which will require fast and strategic management measures and should make use of the essential role citizen science projects can play.

Histopathological lesions, pathogens and parasites as health indicators of an edible clam (Protothaca thaca) inhabiting a bay exposed to anthropogenic activities in Northern Chile

San Jorge Bay (23° S) is characterised by a permanent coastal upwelling front and a thermal front that influence water circulation into the bay. This bay constantly receives effluents from different mining activities. Several studies have demonstrated different levels of heavy metals in waters and sediments within the bay. The clam Protothaca thaca is a bivalve with sedentary habits, which is distributed along the Peruvian and Chilean coasts and is exploited commercially. During 2010, clams were collected inside the bay: north (La Chimba), centre (Paraíso) and south (Llacolén), as well as from a site outside the bay (Bolsico). Haematological parameters, condition factor index, lesions, parasites and pathogens and heavy metal concentrations in clam tissues were determined. The health indicators of clams inhabiting the bay varied between sites. Clams inside the bay showed higher prevalence and intensity of parasites and lesions than those clams inhabiting the site outside the bay, which could be indicating the presence of some environmental stressor (e.g. heavy metals). This study is the first to evaluate the health status of organisms from San Jorge Bay, and our results support the hypothesis that clams P. thaca can be used to evaluate environmental quality.

Quantitative microbial risk assessment of Cryptosporidium in bivalve samples from Manila Bay, Philippines

In the Philippines, consumption of bivalves is very common due to its year-round availability and cheap price. However, many consume bivalves as lightly-cooked or raw. This might pose health hazards because bivalves are filter-feeders which act as vehicles for transmission of several pathogens such as the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium, the causative agent of cryptosporidiosis. Cryptosporidiosis in humans is manifested by profuse diarrhea and abdominal pain. To determine the risk of acquiring cryptosporidiosis from consumption of bivalves, quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) should be done. This study aimed to determine the risk associated with the consumption of bivalves which are contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocysts. The results indicate that consumption of at least 21 grams of cooked bivalves contaminated with at least 0.1% viable oocysts might pose a risk to consumers, especially to immunocompromised individuals. This estimated risk of infection exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) standards (1.0×10-4). Results call for drive of decision-makers to establish an educational or treatment program to reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal infections of the consumers. Improvement of sanitation techniques and hygienic practices will contribute to the decrease of occurrence of the disease.

Effect of antiprotozoal molecules on hypnospores of Perkinsus spp. parasite

Perkinsus protozoan parasites have been associated with high mortality of bivalves worldwide, including Brazil. The use of antiproliferative drugs to treat the Perkinsosis is an unusual prophylactic strategy. However, because of their environment impact it could be used to control parasite proliferation in closed system, such as hatchery. This study evaluated the anti-Perkinsus activity potential of synthesized and commercial compounds. Viability of hypnospores of Perkinsus spp. was assessed in vitro. Cells were incubated with three 2-amino-thiophene (6AMD, 6CN, 5CN) and one acylhydrazone derivatives (AMZ-DCL), at the concentrations of 31.25; 62.5; 125; 250 and 500 μM and one commercial chlorinated phenoxy phenol derivative, triclosan (2, 5, 10 and 20 μM), for 24-48 h. Two synthetic molecules (6CN and AMZ-DCL) caused a significant decline (38 and 39%, respectively) in hypnospores viability, at the highest concentration (500 μM), after 48 h. Triclosan was the most cytotoxic compound, causing 100% of mortality at 20 μM after 24 h and at 10 μM after 48 h. Cytotoxic effects of the compounds 6CN, AMZ-DCL, and triclosan were investigated by measuring parasite's zoosporulation, morphological changes and metabolic activities (esterase activity, production of reactive oxygen species and lipid content). Results showed that zoosporulation occurred in few cell. Triclosan caused changes in the morphology of hypnospores. The 6CN and AMZ-DCL did not alter the metabolic activities studied whilst Triclosan significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species and changed the amount and distribution of lipids in the hypnospores. These results suggest that three compounds had potential to be used as antiprotozoal drugs, although further investigation of their mechanism of action must be enlightened.

Distribution of Tetrodotoxin in the New Zealand Clam, Paphies australis, Established Using Immunohistochemistry and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is one of the most potent neurotoxins known. It was originally thought to only occur in puffer fish but has now been identified in twelve different classes of freshwater and marine organisms, including bivalves. Despite being one of the world’s most studied biotoxins, its origin remains uncertain. There is contradictory evidence regarding the source of TTX and its pathway through food webs. To date, the distribution of TTX has not been examined in bivalves. In the present study, 48 Paphies australis, a TTX-containing clam species endemic to New Zealand, were collected. Thirty clams were dissected, and organs and tissues pooled into five categories (siphons, digestive gland, adductor muscles, and the ‘rest’) and analyzed for TTX using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The micro-distribution of TTX was visualized in the remaining 18 individuals using an immunohistological technique incorporating a TTX-specific monoclonal antibody. The LC-MS analysis revealed that siphons contained the highest concentrations of TTX (mean 403.8 µg/kg). Immunohistochemistry analysis showed TTX in the outer cells of the siphons, but also in the digestive system, foot, and gill tissue. Observing TTX in organs involved in feeding provides initial evidence to support the hypothesis of an exogenous source in P. australis.

Phycotoxins in Marine Shellfish: Origin, Occurrence and Effects on Humans

Massive phytoplankton proliferation, and the consequent release of toxic metabolites, can be responsible for seafood poisoning outbreaks: filter-feeding mollusks, such as shellfish, mussels, oysters or clams, can accumulate these toxins throughout the food chain and present a threat for consumers' health. Particular environmental and climatic conditions favor this natural phenomenon, called harmful algal blooms (HABs); the phytoplankton species mostly involved in these toxic events are dinoflagellates or diatoms belonging to the genera Alexandrium, Gymnodinium, Dinophysis, and Pseudo-nitzschia. Substantial economic losses ensue after HABs occurrence: the sectors mainly affected include commercial fisheries, tourism, recreational activities, and public health monitoring and management. A wide range of symptoms, from digestive to nervous, are associated to human intoxication by biotoxins, characterizing different and specific syndromes, called paralytic shellfish poisoning, amnesic shellfish poisoning, diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, and neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. This review provides a complete and updated survey of phycotoxins usually found in marine invertebrate organisms and their relevant properties, gathering information about the origin, the species where they were found, as well as their mechanism of action and main effects on humans.

Effects of Symbiodinium Colonization on Growth and Cell Proliferation in the Giant Clam Hippopus hippopus

Giant clams (subfamily Tridacnidae) house their obligate symbionts, Symbiodinium sp., in a specialized tubular system. Rapid uptake of Symbiodinium has been shown to increase early clam survival, suggesting that symbionts play an essential role in host growth and development. To determine whether symbionts influence development in the giant clam Hippopus hippopus, we compared growth patterns and cell proliferation in two groups of clams inoculated or not inoculated (control) with Symbiodinium sp. Symbiont uptake occurred continuously from days 8 to 26 post-fertilization, with, on average, ∼5% per day colonized. The control treatment grew even without symbionts (1.03 ± 0.41 µm per day, standard error). Inoculated individuals grew significantly faster (2.91 ± 0.37 µm per day) than control individuals (P < 0.001). However, daily shell length measurements did not significantly differ between treatments until day 22, and ∼97% of control individuals metamorphosed by day 24, suggesting a delay in growth effects. Consistent with this, at day 13, clam cell proliferation was not correlated with symbiont abundance in inoculated individuals (P = 0.13), while at day 26, it was (P < 0.01). The proliferating cell pattern also changed from being randomly distributed (P = 0.99) at day 13 to non-randomly distributed (P = 0.002), with increased likelihood of proliferation within ∼25 µm of a symbiont, at day 26. Our results indicate that H. hippopus has a longer Symbiodinium acquisition period than previously recorded, after which proliferation and development are enhanced but during which growth is unaffected by Symbiodinium.

Descriptions of Mikrocytos veneroïdes n. sp. and Mikrocytos donaxi n. sp. (Ascetosporea: Mikrocytida: Mikrocytiidae), detected during important mortality events of the wedge clam Donax trunculus Linnaeus (Veneroida: Donacidae), in France between 2008 and 2011

BACKGROUND

Microcell parasites are small intracellular protozoans mostly detected in molluscs and can be associated with mortalities. In 2010 and 2011, strong increases in mortality events were reported in different wild beds of the wedge clam Donax trunculus Linnaeus, along the Atlantic coast of France and the presence of potential pathogens, including microcells, was investigated.

METHODS

Clams collected in different beds showing mortality were examined by histology. Based on histological observations, confirmatory analyses were carried out, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and molecular characterization.

RESULTS

Histological analyses revealed the presence of small protozoans similar to microcell parasites in different tissues of Donax trunculus, particularly in muscular and connective tissues. TEM examination confirmed the intracellular localization of the protozoans. Moreover, the lack of haplosporosomes and mitochondria suggested that the observed parasites belong to the genus Mikrocytos Farley, Wolf & Elston, 1988. Mikrocytos genus-specific PCR and in situ hybridization results supported the microscopic observations. Sequence fragments of the 18S rRNA gene shared 75-83% identity with the different Mikrocytos spp. described previously, including Mikrocytos mackini Farley, Wolf & Elston, 1988 and M. boweri Abbott, Meyer, Lowe, Kim & Johnson, 2014. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the microcell parasites observed in Donax trunculus in France belong to the genus Mikrocytos and suggest the existence of two distinct species.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on morphological, ultrastructural, molecular data and host information, the two microcell parasites detected in Donax trunculus belong to the genus Mikrocytos and are distinct from previously described members of this genus. This is the first report of Mikrocytos spp. found in France and infecting the clam Donax trunculus. Mikrocytos veneroïdes n. sp. was detected in different wild beds and Mikrocytos donaxi n. sp. was detected only in Audierne Bay.

Tetrahymena glochidiophila n. sp., a new species of Tetrahymena (Ciliophora) that causes mortality to glochidia larvae of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia)

A ciliate protozoan was discovered whose presence coincided with a rapid decrease in the viability (i.e. ability to close valves) of glochidia of the freshwater mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea. Microscopic examination showed it to be a histophagous tetrahymenine ciliate. Small subunit (SSU) rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) barcode sequences from cultured cells showed that it belongs to the same new species isolated from water samples as a free-living ciliate. Phylogenetic analyses place this new ciliate in the same clade with the macrostome species Tetrahymena paravorax, and we propose the name T. glochidiophila n. sp. for this new species. The phylogeny provides further support for the hypothesis that histophagy was a life history trait of the ancestor of Tetrahymena.

Carbonic anhydrase 2-like in the giant clam, Tridacna squamosa: characterization, localization, response to light, and possible role in the transport of inorganic carbon from the host to its symbionts

The fluted giant clam, Tridacna squamosa, lives in symbiosis with zooxanthellae which reside extracellularly inside a tubular system. Zooxanthellae fix inorganic carbon (Ci) during insolation and donate photosynthate to the host. Carbonic anhydrases catalyze the interconversion of CO2 and HCO3-, of which carbonic anhydrase 2 (CA2) is the most ubiquitous and involved in many biological processes. This study aimed to clone a CA2 homolog (CA2-like) from the fleshy and colorful outer mantle as well as the thin and whitish inner mantle of T. squamosa, to determine its cellular and subcellular localization, and to examine the effects of light exposure on its gene and protein expression levels. The cDNA coding sequence of CA2-like from T. squamosa comprised 789 bp, encoding 263 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 29.6 kDa. A phenogramic analysis of the deduced CA2-like sequence denoted an animal origin. CA2-like was not detectable in the shell-facing epithelium of the inner mantle adjacent to the extrapallial fluid. Hence, CA2-like is unlikely to participate directly in light-enhanced calcification. By contrast, the outer mantle, which contains the highest density of tertiary tubules and zooxanthellae, displayed high level of CA2-like expression, and CA2-like was localized to the tubule epithelial cells. More importantly, exposure to light induced significant increases in the protein abundance of CA2-like in the outer mantle. Hence, CA2-like could probably take part in the increased supply of inorganic carbon (Ci) from the host clam to the symbiotic zooxanthellae when the latter conduct photosynthesis to fix Ci during light exposure.

Investigation of parasitic and viral pathogens in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in the Gulf of Izmir, Turkey

Objectives:

To investigate Microsporidia spp. parasite, hepatitis A virus (HAV), and norovirus (NoV) contamination in mussels collected from 8 stations in the inner, middle, and outer regions of the Gulf of Izmir.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study carried out between August 2009 and September 2010 in the Gulf of Izmir, Turkey, 15 mussels collected from each of the stations each season were pooled and homogenized to create a single representative sample. Thirty representative samples were available for analysis. Direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR), RT-nested PCR, and RT-booster PCR were used to investigate the pathogens.

Results:

The mussels were negative for Microsporidia spp., but 8 (26.7%) samples analyzed were positive for HAV and 9 (30%) were positive for NoV. Excluding Foca and Gediz, viral contamination was detected in all of the stations sampled.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that viral contamination is present in mussels in the Gulf of Izmir and may pose a potential threat to human health in the region. Necessary measures should be taken to prevent future illness due to these pathogens.

First report of Tunisian coastal water contamination by protozoan parasites using mollusk bivalves as biological indicators

In order to establish seawater contamination by emerging protozoan parasites, we used qPCR to molecularly characterize and evaluate the parasitic burden of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Cyclospora cayetanensis in 1255 wild bivalve mollusks collected along the Tunisian coasts. T. gondii, G. duodenalis and C. cayetanensis were detected in 6.9% (99% CI=1.6-12.2%) pools of Ruditapes decussatus. None of the samples were found positive to Cryptosporidium spp.; 6.6% pools of R. decussatus were positive for T. gondii Type I, 1.6% for G. duodenalis assemblage A, and 1.6% for the association T. gondii Type I/C. cayetanensis/G. duodenalis assemblage A. R. decussatus harbored up to 77500 oocysts/sample of T. gondii, up to 395 cysts/sample of G. duodenalis, and 526 oocysts/sample of C. cayetanensis. These results provide the first evidence that the Tunisian coasts are contaminated by zoonotic protozoan parasites that can constitute a direct or indirect risk for human health.

First report of Perkinsus honshuensis in the variegated carpet shell clam Ruditapes variegatus in Korea

The recent discovery of Perkinsus honshuensis, a new Perkinsus species infecting Manila clams Ruditapes philippinarum (Sowerby, 1852), in Japan, suggested that, based on proximity, P. honshuensis could also be in Korean waters, where to date, P. olseni was believed to be the only Perkinsus species present. Perkinsus sp. infections consistently occurred among Ruditapes variegatus clams on a pebble beach on Jeju Island, off the south coast of Korea. The typical 'signet ring' morphology of the parasite was observed in the connective tissue of the digestive gland, and infection intensity was comparatively low (3.3 × 103 ± 1.2 × 104 to 1.3 × 104 ± 6.1 × 104 cells g-1 gill weight). Further DNA analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1, 5.8S and ITS-2) and non-transcribed spacer (NTS) regions of the parasite showed 98.9-99.8 and 98.5-99.5% similarity to those of P. honshuensis from Japan, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses using ITS and NTS sequences indicated that Perkinsus sp. from Jeju formed a highly supported clade with P. honshuensis. This is the first report of P. honshuensis infections in clams in Korean waters and the first report of R. variegatus as a host for that parasite.

Protein expression profiling in haemocytes and plasma of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum in response to infection with Perkinsus olseni

The protein expression profiling in clam haemocytes and plasma in response to Perkinsus olseni was addressed. Adult Manila clams from a P. olseni-free bed were experimentally challenged with parasite zoospores to analyse immune response. In another experiment, the effects of longer term infection were assessed in adult clams collected from a P. olseni-affected bed, by comparing moderate to very heavily infected clams with non-infected ones. Haemocyte and plasma proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis; spot patterns were qualitatively compared between treatments within each experiment and the spots indicating differential protein expression associated with P. olseni challenge or with field infection were processed for protein identification. Fifteen clam proteins (four in haemocytes and eleven in plasma) of which expression was markedly affected by P. olseni were identified. Some of the identified proteins have a well-known role in clam immune response against the parasite, such as lysozyme and lectins. Rho GTPase-activating protein 6 could be a marker of resistance against P. olseni, which should be further studied.

Use of Polymerase Chain Reaction for Bivalve Pathogen Surveillance in the Yellow Clam Mesodesma mactroides

The yellow clam Mesodesma mactroides is a valuable shellfish occurring from the southeastern coast of Brazil to the northern coast of Argentina. Populations of yellow clams are disappearing from their entire range, and the cause is still unknown. The objective of this paper was to search for World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)-listed pathogens and their relatives in the genera Marteilia, Bonamia, and Perkinsus as well as Mikrocytos mackini and the virus OsHV-1 μ var the yellow clam population in southern Brazil using molecular techniques and classic histology protocols. A total of 180 clams were manually collected in the intertidal region at six sampling points covering the entire coast of Rio Grande do Sul State (length, 622 km) in 2013. Tissue samples were tested by OIE-recommended single-step conventional polymerase chain reaction assays. The screening showed no evidence of the specific sequences of the protistan parasites and viral pathogens at any site within the six zones under study. We recommend continuous monitoring of the mollusks in the region. Received July 3, 2015; accepted February 3, 2016.

Bivalve immunity and response to infections: Are we looking at the right place?

Significant progress has been made in the understanding of cellular and molecular mediators of immunity in invertebrates in general and bivalve mollusks in particular. Despite this information, there is a lack of understanding of factors affecting animal resistance and specific responses to infections. This in part results from limited consideration of the spatial (and to some extent temporal) heterogeneity of immune responses and very limited information on host-pathogen (and microbes in general) interactions at initial encounter/colonization sites. Of great concern is the fact that most studies on molluscan immunity focus on the circulating hemocytes and the humoral defense factors in the plasma while most relevant host-microbe interactions occur at mucosal interfaces. This paper summarizes information available on the contrasting value of information available on focal and systemic immune responses in infected bivalves, and highlights the role of mucosal immune factors in host-pathogen interactions. Available information underlines the diversity of immune effectors at molluscan mucosal interfaces and highlights the tailored immune response to pathogen stimuli. This context raises fascinating basic research questions around host-microbe crosstalk and feedback controls of these interactions and may lead to novel disease mitigation strategies and improve the assessment of resistant crops or the screening of probiotic candidates.

P-glycoprotein and its inducible expression in three bivalve species after exposure to Prorocentrum lima

P-glycoprotein (P-gp or ABCB1) belongs to the family of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters responsible for multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) in aquatic organisms. To provide more information of P-gp in shellfish, in this study, complete cDNA of P-gp in three bivalve species including Ruditapes philippinarum, Scapharca subcrenata and Tegillarca granosa were cloned and its expressions in gill, digestive gland, adductor muscle and mantle of the three bivalves were detected after exposure to Prorocentrum lima, a toxogenic dinoflagellate. The complete sequences of R. philippinarum, S. subcrenata and T. granosa P-gp showed high homology with MDR/P-gp/ABCB proteins from other species, having a typical sequence organization as full transporters from the ABCB family. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the amino acid sequences of P-gp from S. subcrenata and T. granosa had a closest relationship, forming an independent branch, then grouping into the other branch with Mytilus californianus, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Crassostrea gigas. However, P-gp sequences from R. philippinarum were more similar to the homologs from the more distantly related Aplysia californica than to homologs from S. subcrenata and T. granosa, suggesting that bivalves P-gp might have different paralogs. P-glycoprotein expressed in all detected tissues but there were large differences between them. After exposure to P. lima, the expression of P-gp changed in the four tissues in varying degrees within the same species and between different species, but the changes in mRNA and protein level were not always synchronous.

Development of an ELISA for the Detection of Azaspiracids

Azaspiracids (AZAs) are a group of biotoxins that cause food poisoning in humans. These toxins are produced by small marine dinoflagellates such as Azadinium spinosum and accumulate in shellfish. Ovine polyclonal antibodies were produced and used to develop an ELISA for quantitating AZAs in shellfish, algal cells, and culture supernatants. Immunizing antigens were prepared from synthetic fragments of the constant region of AZAs, while plate coating antigen was prepared from AZA-1. The ELISA provides a sensitive and rapid analytical method for screening large numbers of samples. It has a working range of 0.45-8.6 ng/mL and a limit of quantitation for total AZAs in whole shellfish at 57 μg/kg, well below the maximum permitted level set by the European Commission. The ELISA has good cross-reactivity to AZA-1-10, -33, and -34 and 37-epi-AZA-1. Naturally contaminated Irish mussels gave similar results whether they were cooked or uncooked, indicating that the ELISA also detects 22-carboxy-AZA metabolites (e.g., AZA-17 and AZA-19). ELISA results showed excellent correlation with LC-MS/MS analysis, both for mussel extract spiked with AZA-1 and for naturally contaminated Irish mussels. The assay is therefore well suited to screening for AZAs in shellfish samples intended for human consumption, as well as for studies on AZA metabolism.

Cell proteome variability of protistan mollusc parasite Perkinsus olseni among regions of the Spanish coast

We evaluated the proteome variability of in vitro-cultured Perkinsus olseni cells deriving from 4 regions of the Spanish coast: the rías of Arousa and Pontevedra (Galicia, NW Spain), Carreras River in Huelva (Andalusia, SW Spain) and Delta de l'Ebre (Catalonia, NE Spain). P. olseni in vitro clonal cultures were produced starting from parasite isolates from 4 individual clams from each region. Those clonal cultures were used to extract cell proteins, which were separated by 2-dimensional (2D) electrophoresis. Qualitative comparison of P. olseni protein expression profiles among regions was performed with PD Quest software. Around 700 protein spots from parasites derived from each region were considered, from which 141 spots were shared by all the regions. Various spots were found to be exclusive to each region. Higher similarity was found among the proteomes of P. olseni from the Atlantic regions than between those from the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. A total of 54 spots were excised from the gels and sequenced. Nineteen proteins were annotated after searching in databases, 13 being shared by all the regions and 6 exclusive to 1 region. Most of the identified proteins were involved in glycolysis, oxidation/reduction, metabolism and response to stress. No direct evidence of P. olseni variability associated with virulence was found within the protein set analysed, although the differences in metabolic adaptation and stress response could be connected to pathogenicity.

An immune-enriched oligo-microarray analysis of gene expression in Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum) haemocytes after a Perkinsus olseni challenge

Parasites of the genus Perkinsus cause high mortality and economic losses in bivalves commonly produced in global aquaculture. Although the immune responses of oysters and clams naturally infected with Perkinsus marinus or Perkinsus olseni have been extensively studied, there is not much information on host response at the early stages of infection. In this study, we analysed how P. olseni influences the gene expression profiles of haemocytes from the Manila clam (Venerupis philippinarum) using temporal experimental infections and an immune-enriched microarray. We identified an early phase of infection that was characterised by no mortality and by the increased expression of genes associated with pathogen recognition, production of nitrogen radicals and antimicrobial activity. Cellular processes such as inhibition of serine proteases and proliferation were also involved in this early response. This phase was followed by an intermediate stage, when the pathogen was most likely multiplying and infecting new areas of the body, and animals began to die. In this stage, many genes related to cell movement were over-expressed. Thirty days after infection metabolic pathway genes were the most affected. Apoptosis appears to be important during pathogenesis. Our results provide novel observations of the broader innate immune response triggered by P. olseni at different infection stages.

[Trematode Aspidogastrea found in Huaihe River]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the epidemic situation of trematode Aspidogastrea in the Huaihe River.

METHODS

The mussels in the Huaihe River were collected, numbered and dissected to detect the trematode; and the species of trematodes were identified after dyeing.

RESULTS

Totally 79 mussels were collected, and the trematode Aspidogastrea were found from 23 mussels with the infection rate of 29.11%; 209 trematode Aspidogastrea were collected and the average infectiosity of mussels was 9.09.

CONCLUSION

Trematode Aspidogastrea is endemic in the Huaihe River and the species is Aspidogaster sp.

Marteilia sp. and other parasites and pathological conditions in Solen marginatus populations along the Galician coast (NW Spain)

This paper reports the results of the survey developed after the first detection of protozoan Marteilia sp. infection of the grooved razor shell Solen marginatus (Pulteney, 1799) from Galicia (NW Spain) in 2006. Furthermore, we analysed other parasites and pathological conditions found in grooved razor shell populations throughout this survey, such as metacercariae of trematodes, prokaryotic infections and disseminated neoplasms, some of which could cause moderate or severe damage to the host depending on the intensity of infection. A total of 17 natural beds distributed along the Galician coast were analysed, and Marteilia sp. was detected in 6 of them with low prevalence, moderate intensity and no negative effects over the populations.

Bacciger bacciger (Trematoda: Fellodistomidae) infection effects on wedge clam Donax trunculus condition

Wedge clams Donax trunculus inhabit high-energy environments along sandy coasts of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Two sites were sampled monthly, one in Morocco (Mehdia), where the density was normal, and one in France (Biscarosse), where the density was very low. We tested the hypothesis that the difference in density between the sites was related to infection by the trematode parasite Bacciger bacciger. Identity of both the parasite and the host were verified using anatomical and molecular criteria. Parasite prevalence (i.e. the percentage of parasitized clams) was almost 3 times higher at Biscarosse. At this site, overall prevalence reached 32% in July and was correlated with the migration of several individuals (with a prevalence of 88%) to the sediment surface. After this peak, prevalence decreased rapidly, suggesting death of parasitized clams. The deleterious effect of B. bacciger on wedge clams was also supported by our calculations indicating that the weight of the parasite made up to 56% of the total weight of the parasitized clams. However, condition indices of trematode-free clams were also lower in Biscarosse than in Mehdia or other sites, suggesting that other factors such as pollutants or microparasites (Microcytos sp.) may alter wedge clam population fitness in Biscarosse.

Physiological responses of Manila clams Venerupis (=Ruditapes) philippinarum with varying parasite Perkinsus olseni burden to toxic algal Alexandrium ostenfeldii exposure

Manila clam stock from Arcachon Bay, France, is declining, as is commercial harvest. To understand the role of environmental biotic interactions in this decrease, effects of a toxic dinoflagellate, Alexandrium ostenfeldii, which blooms regularly in Arcachon bay, and the interaction with perkinsosis on clam physiology were investigated. Manila clams from Arcachon Bay, with variable natural levels of perkinsosis, were exposed for seven days to a mix of the nutritious microalga T-Iso and the toxic dinoflagellate A. ostenfeldii, a producer of spirolides, followed by seven days of depuration fed only T-Iso. Following sacrifice and quantification of protozoan parasite Perkinsus olseni burden, clams were divided into two groups according to intensity of the infection ("Light-Moderate" and "Moderate-Heavy"). Hemocyte and plasma responses, digestive enzyme activities, antioxidant enzyme activities in gills, and histopathological responses were analyzed. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in hemocytes and catalase (CAT) activity in gills increased with P. olseni intensity of infection in control clams fed T-Iso, but did not vary among A. ostenfeldii-exposed clams. Exposure to A. ostenfeldii caused tissue alterations associated with an inflammatory response and modifications in hemocyte morphology. In the gills, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity decreased, and an increase in brown cell occurrence was seen, suggesting oxidative stress. Observations of hemocytes and brown cells in tissues during exposure and depuration suggest involvement of both cell types in detoxication processes. Results suggest that exposure to A. ostenfeldii disrupted the pro-/anti-oxidant response of clams to heavy P. olseni intensity. In addition, depressed mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in hemocytes of clams exposed to A. ostenfeldii suggests that mitochondrial functions are regulated to maintain homeostasis of digestive enzyme activity and condition index.

Infection of Manila clams Ruditapes philippinarum from Galicia (NW Spain) with a Mikrocytos-like parasite

The name 'microcells' is frequently used to refer to small-sized unicellular stages of molluscan parasites of the genera Bonamia (Rhizaria, Haplosporidia) and Mikrocytos (Rhizaria). Histological examination of Manila clams Ruditapes philippinarum revealed microcells in the connective tissue of adductor muscle, foot, mantle, gills, siphon and visceral mass. The clams had been collected from 4 beds on the coast of Galicia, Spain. The prevalence of these microcells ranged from 73 to 93% in surface clams and from 3 to 33% in buried clams. However, the detection of brown ring disease signs in clams from every bed prevented us from making the assumption that the microcells alone were responsible for clam mortality. PCR assays using primer pairs designed to detect Bonamia spp. and haplosporidians gave negative results, whereas positive results were obtained with primers for the genus Mikrocytos. A consensus sequence of 1670 bp of the ribosomal gene complex of the microcells was obtained. It contained a section of the 18S region, the whole first internal transcribed spacer, the 5.8S region, the second internal transcribed spacer and a section of the 28S region. Comparison of this sequence with those of M. mackini infecting Crassostrea gigas and Mikrocytos sp. infecting Ostrea edulis showed that the microcells of Galician clams were the most divergent among the compared parasites. This is the first report of a Mikrocytos-like parasite infecting Manila clams. Care must be taken to avoid the spread of this parasite through Manila clam transfers.

Histopathology and stress biomarkers in the clam Venerupis philippinarum from the Venice Lagoon (Italy)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the histomorphology and the stress response in the bivalve Venerupis philippinarum sampled in four differently polluted sites of the Venice Lagoon (Palude del Monte, Marghera, Ca' Roman and Val di Brenta). This species is often used as bioindicator of environmental pollution since it can bioaccumulate a large variety of pollutants because of its filter feeding. Chemical analyses for heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were performed on whole soft tissues of V. philippinarum. The histological evaluation of clams revealed the presence of Perkinsus sp. infection in animals from all sites, although a very high prevalence of parasites was evidenced in clams from Ca' Roman. Perkinsus sp. were systemically distributed in the mantle, in the intestine and digestive gland, in gonads and gills. The trophozoites of Perkinsus sp. were found isolated or in cluster surrounded by a heavy hemocitical response. Haemocytes always exhibited an immunopositivity to cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) and nitrotyrosine (NT) antibodies. The digestive gland of animals from Palude del Monte showed the highest malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, whereas clams from Ca' Roman exhibited the highest quantity of metallothioneins.

Characterization of the transcriptome and temperature-induced differential gene expression in QPX, the thraustochytrid parasite of hard clams

BACKGROUND

The hard clam or northern quahog, Mercenaria mercenaria, is one of the most valuable seafood products in the United States representing the first marine resource in some Northeastern states. Severe episodes of hard clam mortality have been consistently associated with infections caused by a thraustochytrid parasite called Quahog Parasite Unknown (QPX). QPX is considered as a cold/temperate water organism since the disease occurs only in the coastal waters of the northwestern Atlantic Ocean from Maritime Canada to Virginia. High disease development at cold temperatures was also confirmed in laboratory studies and is thought to be caused predominantly by immunosuppression of the clam host even though the effect of temperature on QPX virulence has not been fully investigated. In this study, the QPX transcriptome was sequenced using Roche 454 technology to better characterize this microbe and initiate research on the molecular basis of QPX virulence towards hard clams.

RESULTS

Close to 18,000 transcriptomic sequences were generated and functionally annotated. Results revealed a wide array of QPX putative virulence factors including a variety of peptidases, antioxidant enzymes, and proteins involved in extracellular mucus production and other secretory proteins potentially involved in interactions with the clam host. Furthermore, a 15 K oligonucleotide array was constructed and used to investigate the effect of temperature on QPX fitness and virulence factors. Results identified a set of QPX molecular chaperones that could explain its adaptation to cold temperatures. Finally, several virulence-related factors were up-regulated at low temperature providing molecular targets for further investigations of increased QPX pathogenicity in cold water conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the first studies to characterize the transcriptome of a parasitic labyrinthulid, offering new insights into the molecular bases of the pathogenicity of members of this group. Results from the oligoarray study demonstrated the ability of QPX to cope with a wide range of environmental temperatures, including those considered to be suboptimal for clam immunity (low temperature) providing a mechanistic scenario for disease distribution in the field and for high disease prevalence and intensity at low temperature. These results will serve as basis for studies aimed at a better characterization of specific putative virulence factors.

Risk factors for acute Toxoplasma gondii diseases in Taiwan: a population-based case-control study

Although human toxoplasmosis is a notifiable disease in Taiwan since 2007, little is known about its risk factors. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for acute Toxoplasma gondii diseases in Taiwan. We conducted a nationwide population-based case-control study. Cases of acute human toxoplasmosis notified to the Taiwan Centers for Diseases Control (Taipei, Taiwan) during 2008–2013 were compared with controls that were randomly selected from healthy T. gondii-seronegative blood donors who participated in a nationwide T. gondii seroepidemiologic study during 2009–2010. Cases and controls were matched according to age, gender and residency at an 1∶8 ratio. Structured questionnaires were used to gather information regarding risk factors. A total of 30 laboratory-confirmed acute T. gondii disease cases and 224 controls were enrolled. The most common clinical manifestation of the cases was flu-like symptoms (n = 20), followed by central nervous system disease (n = 4), ocular diseases (n = 3), abortion (n = 2), and congenital infection (n = 1). Multivariate conditional logistic regression showed that raw clam consumption (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4–9.9) and having a cat in the household (adjusted OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.1–7.9) were two independent risk factors for acute T. gondii disease. We conclude that raw shellfish consumption and domestic cat exposure were risk factors for acquiring acute T. gondii diseases in Taiwan. This finding may guide future research and control policies.