The role of Azadinium spinosum (Dinophyceae) in the production of azaspiracid shellfish poisoning in mussels

摘要: Abstract Azaspiracids (AZAs) are a group of lipophilic polyether compounds first detected in Ireland which have been implicated shellfish poisoning incidents around Europe. These toxins regularly effect mariculture operations including protracted closures harvesting areas for human consumption. The armoured dinoflagellate Azadinium spinosum Elbrachter et Tillmann gen. sp. nov. (Dinophyceae) has described as the de novo azaspiracid toxin producer; nonetheless link between this organism and AZA accumulation not yet established. In August 2009, samples blue mussel ( Mytilus edulis ) from Southwest were analysed using liquid chromatography–tandem-mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) found to be above regulatory limit (0.16 μg g −1  AZA-equiv.) AZAs. Water area collected one algal isolate was identified A. shown produce toxins. This is strain isolated Irish waters. identical with other two available strains Scotland (3D9) Denmark (UTHE2) its sequence D1–D2 regions LSU rDNA. A 24 h feeding trial mussels M. an suspension culture at different cell densities demonstrated that filtered, consumed digested directly by mussels. Also, LC–MS/MS analysis had AZAs accumulating hepatopancreas. AZA1 -2 together analogues AZA3, AZA6, AZA17 -19 suggesting metabolised within after ingestion algae. levels hepatopancreas (HP) equivalent but remainder tissues four five times higher than AZA1, only small quantities AZA3 present negligible amounts AZA6 period. could implications future monitoring these given according EU legislation AZA1–AZA3 regulated for. report mussels’ on producing algae