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Cryptosporidium spp. Contamination in Perna perna Mussels Destined for Human Consumption in Southeastern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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An Author Correction to this article was published on 14 February 2018

This article has been updated

Abstract

Cryptosporidium spp. has been recognized as an important pathogen. As bivalve mollusks are noted as potential sources of several pathogens due to their consumption as foodstuffs, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in Perna perna mussels and in seawater samples from a mussel farm in Southeastern Brazil, where mussels are grown directly in the sea, attached to ropes. Oocysts were observed by microscopy and confirmed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Oocysts were present in mussel gills and GI tracts, as well as in the seawater. Of the 100 females, 10% and 11% showed contaminated GI tracts and gills, respectively, while this rate was lower in males, at 5% and 8.9%. Oocysts were present in higher amounts in the GI tract compared to gills and water. Contamination of the study area is apparent, leading to public health risks. More in-depth studies are needed, including molecular investigations, to identify Cryptosporidium species in mussels, as well as the implementation of monitoring actions in animals destined for human consumption.

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Change history

  • 14 February 2018

    The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos – IOC FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

    A. L. Santos, A. L. A. Souza & S. G. De Simone

  2. Escola Politécnica de Saúde Joaquim Venâncio – EPSJV – PROVOC - FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil

    L. T. F. de Oliveira

  3. Centro de Estudos da Saúde do Trabalhador e Ecologia Humana, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 21041210, Brazil

    R. A. Hauser-Davis

Authors
  1. A. L. Santos
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  2. L. T. F. de Oliveira
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  3. A. L. A. Souza
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  4. R. A. Hauser-Davis
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  5. S. G. De Simone
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Correspondence to A. L. Santos.

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A correction to this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-018-2284-x.

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Santos, A.L., de Oliveira, L.T.F., Souza, A.L.A. et al. Cryptosporidium spp. Contamination in Perna perna Mussels Destined for Human Consumption in Southeastern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 100, 240–244 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-017-2223-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-017-2223-2

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