Developing novel microsatellite markers by NGS technology for Rhopilema nomadica, an invasive jellyfish.

Twelve microsatellite loci, obtained by whole genome sequencing approach, were developed and validated for the rhizostomatid jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica, the most pernicious invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea. A sample of 40 specimens collected at six locations along the Mediterranean coast of Israel were genotyped and all loci presented suitable outcomes to population genetic studies, revealing 5-19 alleles/locus with clean and reproducible amplifications. Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged 0.0.353 to 0.971 and 0.335 to 0.870, respectively, and the fixation index (inbreeding coefficient) and the polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged between - 0.190 and 0.240 and 0.32 to 0.858, respectively. The new set of microsatellite loci will be used to study long-term changes in the population genetic parameters of this invasive species.

Validation and redescription of the hyperiidean amphipod Brachyscelus rapacoides Stephensen, 1925 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyperiidea: Brachyscelidae), a new record of association with the scyphozoan jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica Galil, 1990 (Scyphozoa: Rhizostomeae: Rhizostomatidae) in the Mediterranean Sea.

The hyperiidean amphipod Brachyscelus rapacoides Stephensen, 1925 is recorded from the scyphozoan jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica Galil, 1990, a new record of association for the genus Brachyscelus, as well as the first record of hyperiid infestation of a non-indigenous scyphozoan host. Because of some past confusion concerning the status of B. rapacoides and the closely related species B. rapax (Claus, 1871) a redescription of B. rapacoides and molecular analysis are provided in order to validate it as a species distinguished from B. rapax.

Pediatric jellyfish envenomation in the Mediterranean Sea.

BACKGROUND: Several species of jellyfish native to the western Indian Ocean have entered the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. Since the late 1980s, each summer Rhopilema nomadica forms swarms as long as 100 km in the southeastern Levant and since the millennium aggregations of additional nonnative jellyfish have been sighted. The aim of this study was to evaluate children seen in the emergency department after jellyfish envenomations and to establish patterns of toxicity associated with this organism. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all children presenting after jellyfish envenomations to the pediatric emergency department during the jellyfish swarming seasons (June-August) between 2010 and 2015. Extracted data included age, location of envenomation, pain scores, local and systemic manifestations, treatment provided in the emergency department and hospital, and disposition. RESULTS: Forty-one patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria; their ages ranged from 1 to 16 years and the median age was 9.4 years. Clinical manifestations were evident in all patients. Pain, present in 100% of patients, and an erythematous, whip-like, linear rash present in 87.8%, were the most common manifestations. The majority of 'burns' associated with jellyfish stings were first and second degree. The upper limb was affected in 34% and the lower limb was affected in 61% of cases. One patient suffered a sting to the abdomen and three patients suffered a sting to the face. Treatment in the emergency department included pain control, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiates, and antihistamines and topical corticosteroids in some cases. Nearly 49% of patients were seen during the summer of 2015 alone and seven patients in this group needed hospitalization. Reasons for hospitalization included systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, tachycardia, and muscle spasms. Two patients developed severe cellulitis, one patient had an anaphylactic reaction, and one was admitted to the ICU after suffering an anaphylactic reaction to a sting sustained while surfing. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of the jellyfish swarms and the severity of clinical manifestations because of their envenomations suggest that it should be considered as a health hazard in the Mediterranean Sea. We call for public health authorities in affected countries to initiate a health hazards database, familiarize medical and healthcare staff with the clinical syndromes, train medical and healthcare staff` in appropriate treatment, and initiate and continue public awareness campaigns.

Truth and consequences: the bioinvasion of the Mediterranean Sea.

Over 660 alien marine multicellular species have been recorded in the Mediterranean Sea, with many establishing viable populations and subsequently dispersing from their points of entry. A brief overview is presented of the current state of knowledge of bioinvasions in the Mediterranean Sea, with particular attention paid to gelatinous invasive species. A database of alien species records was used to characterize their identity, pattern of expansion and native region, and to discuss the relative importance of different taxa and vectors in the various regions of the sea. The temporal and spatial spread of 4 alien scyphozoans and 2 alien ctenophores is outlined. Although thermophilic species constitute the majority of Mediterranean aliens, Erythrean aliens are predominant in the east, with shipping and mariculture being mainly responsible for introductions in the northwest. The propagule pressure driving the Erythrean invasion is powerful in the establishment and spread of alien species in the eastern Mediterranean. The implications of the enlargement of the Suez Canal, reflecting patterns in global trade and economy, are briefly discussed. Finally, as alien species inventories play a pivotal role in informing regional policy and management decisions and identifying resource priorities, the scientific community is called upon to pay particular attention to their accuracy and veracity.