Comprehensive analysis and assessment of exposure to enteric viruses and bacteria in shellfish.

Shellfish species, including oysters, clams, and mussels, are extensively cultured in coastal waters. Its location is determined by factors such as nutrient availability, water temperature, tidal cycle, and the presence of contaminants such as Escherichia coli and enteric viruses. With the expansion and intensification of human activities at vicinities, the presence of anthropogenic contaminants has increased, threatening shellfish farms and consumer safety give the prevalent consumption of raw shellfish. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the dietary exposure and assess the risk associated with enteric viruses and bacteria detected in shellfish. The predominant bacteria and viruses detected in shellfish are reported, and the potential interrelation is discussed. The main characteristics of each contaminant and shellfish were reviewed for a more comprehensive understanding. To facilitate a direct estimation of exposure, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of bacteria was calculated based on the average levels of E. coli in shellfish, as reported in the literature. The mean daily ingestion of seafood in each of the five continents was considered. Asia exhibited the highest intake of contaminants, with an average of ±5.6 E. coli units/day.kg body weight in cockles. Simulations were conducted using recommended shellfish consumption levels established by state agencies, revealing significantly lower (p < 0.01) EDI for all continents compared to estimations based on recommended levels. This indicates a higher risk associated with healthy shellfish ingestion, potentially leading to increased intoxication incidents with a change in dietary habits. To promote a healthier lifestyle through increased shellfish consumptions, it is imperative to reduce the exposure of shellfish species to bacteria and enteric viruses. The conventional use of E. coli as the sole indicator for consumption safety and water quality in shellfish farms has been deemed insufficient. Instances where shellfish met E. coli limits established by state agencies were often found to be contaminated with human enteric viruses. Therefore, a holistic approach considering the entire production chain is necessary to support the shellfish industry and ensure food safety.

Pulsed ultraviolet (PUV) disinfection of artificially contaminated seawater seeded with high levels of pathogen disease indicators as an alternative for the shellfish industry depuration systems.

The increase in pathogen levels in seawater threatens the safety of entire aquatic ecosystems. Foodborne pathogens can potentially accumulate in shellfish, especially in filter feeders such as bivalves, requiring an efficient depuration process before consumption. Alternative approaches to promote a cost-efficient purge at depuration plants are urgently needed. A small prototype pulsed ultraviolet (PUV) light recirculation system was designed, and its depuration potential was tested in a seawater matrix artificially contaminated with high levels of microbial pathogens Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans. The analysis of treatment parameters including voltage, number of pulses and duration of treatment was performed to ensure the highest reduction in contaminant levels. Optimal PUV disinfection was attained at 60 pulses/min at 1 kV for 10 min (a UV output of 12.9 J/cm2). All reductions were statistically significant, and the greatest was observed for S. aureus (5.63 log10), followed by C. albicans (5.15 log10), S. typhimurium (5 log10), B. cereus (4.59 log10) and E. coli (4.55 log10). PUV treatment disrupted the pathogen DNA with the result that S. aureus, C. albicans and S. typhimurium were not detectable by PCR. Regulations were reviewed to address the applicability of PUV treatment as a promising alternative to assist in the reduction of microbial pathogens at depuration plants due to its high efficiency, short treatment period, high UV dose and recirculation system as currently employed in shellfish depuration plants.

Implications for the seafood industry, consumers and the environment arising from contamination of shellfish with pharmaceuticals, plastics and potentially toxic elements: A case study from Irish waters with a global orientation.

Shellfish are a rich source of minerals, B-vitamins and omega-3 to the human diet. The global population is expected to reach 9.6 billion people by 2050 where there will be increased demand for shellfish and for sustained improvements in harvesting. The production of most consumed species of shellfish is sea-based and are thus susceptible to in situ environmental conditions and water quality. Population growth has contributed to expansion of urbanization and the generation of effluent and waste that reaches aquatic environments, potentially contaminating seafood by exposure to non-treated effluents or inappropriately discarded waste. Environmental contaminants as microplastics (MP), pharmaceuticals (PHAR) and potentially toxic contaminants (PTE) are being identified in all trophic levels and are a current threat to both shellfish and consumer safety. Immunotoxicity, genotoxicity, fertility reduction, mortality and bioaccumulation of PTE are representative examples of the variety of effects already established in contaminated shellfish. In humans, the consumption of contaminated shellfish can lead to neurological and developmental effects, reproductive and gastrointestinal disorders and in extreme cases, death. This timely review provides insights into the presence of MP, PHAR and PTE in shellfish, and estimate the daily intake and hazard quotient for consumption behaviours. Alternatives approaches for seafood depuration that encompass risk reduction are addressed, to reflect state of the art knowledge from a Republic of Ireland perspective. Review of best-published literature revealed that MP, PHAR and PTE contaminants were detected in commercialised species of shellfish, such as Crassostrea and Mytilus. The ability to accumulate these contaminants by shellfish due to feeding characteristics is attested by extensive in vitro studies. However, there is lack of knowledge surrounding the distribution of these contaminants in the aquatic environment their interactions with humans. Preventive approaches including risk assessment are necessary to safeguard the shellfish industry and the consumer.

Novel and effective disposable device that provides 2-way protection to the duodenoscope from microbial contamination.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Duodenoscope contamination is associated with notable patient morbidity and mortality and can occur despite high-level disinfection protocols, requiring a solution that protects against contamination of the endoscope in the first place. METHODS: We assessed a newly cleared, single-use device to seal the distal end of duodenoscopes while preserving optics and other endoscope functionality and tested its ability to protect against contamination using dye immersion tests and microbial inoculation. RESULTS: Dye immersion tests revealed a complete seal with no leakage. Rigorous microbial challenge tests showed the device can both protect against contamination of the endoscope by external microbes ("outside-in" protection) and shield instruments from contact with pre-existing microbial biofilm on or around the elevator that may have survived reprocessing ("inside-out" protection). Optical and mechanical performance of the endoscope was not compromised by the addition of the device. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that this disposable device provides 2-way protection to the duodenoscope from microbial contamination, without the potential for disrupting current equipment, technique, and workflow.

A rare case of carcinoid tumor in a tailgut cyst.

Tailgut cysts are rare congenital lesions that arise from the failure of regression of the embryological tailgut. We report a case of neoplastic transformation of tailgut cyst to carcinoid tumor which is exceedingly uncommon.