Mussels (Perna perna) as bioindicator of environmental contamination by Cryptosporidium species with zoonotic potential.

ABSTRACT: Sources of contamination such as animal feces runoff, organic fertilizer application, and the release of partially treated or untreated sewage can lead to the contamination of aquatic environments by Cryptosporidium spp. The quality of mussels as food is closely related to the sanitary conditions of the marine environment where these bivalves are found. Marine mollusks are filter feeders that are able to retain Cryptosporidium oocysts in their tissue, thus functioning as bioindicators. A total of 72 pooled mussel samples of the species Perna perna were collected at two sites (A and B) in the municipality of Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Sampling involved removal of 30 mussels, from each collection site every month for one year. The 30 mussels from each sampling were then alloc

SUBMITTER: Marine Oliveira GF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4781961 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature