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

Bivalve mollusc production not only contributes to global food and economic security but also provides valuable ecological services 1, 2. Bivalves are filter-feeding organisms that can bioaccumulate a variety of microorganisms present in the water, including phytoplankton species that produce biotoxins as well as human pathogenic bacteria and viruses (Figure 1). The consumption of contaminated bivalves can threaten human health, disrupt production and negatively affect entire ecosystems 3, 4. There are currently no methods available to efficiently eliminate all biotoxins or human pathogens from contaminated bivalves [5]. Diseases affecting bivalves are another constraint on the production of bivalve molluscs and can result in significant socio-economic losses [6]. Since bivalves are grown in open farms, it is not possible to apply treatments and the use of vaccines is also not possible because molluscs do not have an adaptive immune system [7]. Anthropogenic activities have resulted in global temperature changes [8], including increases in sea-surface temperature, carbon dioxide levels, pH and precipitation, lower salinity surface waters and increased stratification, as well as changes to storm activity, upwelling and nutrient availability. These environmental changes pose additional challenges to the production of bivalves as they can impact upon the (1) occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), (2) spread of human infectious diseases, including those caused by numerous foodborne and waterborne pathogens and (3) disease outbreaks of bivalves. The early and efficient detection of these biological hazards is therefore of paramount importance for the implementation of measures to protect consumers [9] and prevent the spread of bivalve diseases [10]. This review summarises the methods currently used for detection of biotoxins and pathogens affecting bivalve molluscs and their consumption as well as recent methodological advances.

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