Cryptosporidium contamination in harvesting areas of bivalve molluscs.
Cryptosporidium contamination was evaluated in areas in Galicia (northwestern Spain) where bivalve molluscs are harvested. Galicia is the main mussel-producing region in Europe. Data were collected on water contamination of effluents that are discharged into these areas. Cryptosporidium spp. were detected by immunofluorescence microscopy and molecular methods in 71% of the river water samples (n = 7), 64% of raw sewage samples (n = 11), 50% of effluents from wastewater treatment plants (n = 16), and 29.3% of the mussel samples (Mytilus galloprovincialis, n = 184). Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in all samples of contaminated mussels, Cryptosporidium muris was found in three samples of effluent from wastewater treatment plants, and Cryptosporidium baileyi was found in a sample of raw sewage. Further studies are needed to determine the parasitological quality of water in these shellfish harvesting and recreational areas. Cryptosporidium could be a public health risk from consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated molluscs and use of contaminated waters for recreational purposes.
Gómez-Couso
Hipólito
H
Laboratorio de Parasitología, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Spain.
Méndez-Hermida
Fernando
F
Castro-Hermida
José Antonio
JA
Ares-Mazás
Elvira
E
D000818:Animals; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000469:parasitology; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D003458:Cryptosporidium / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016785:Cryptosporidium parvum / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D016266:Food Parasitology; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods; D008974:Mollusca / Q000469:parasitology*; D012758:Shellfish / Q000469:parasitology*; D013030:Spain