New bacteria in UK waters as temperatures rise

Date:
January 10, 2022
Source:
University of Exeter
Summary:
Rising temperatures are causing a 'growing diversity' of Vibrio
bacteria in the sea around the UK, new research shows.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Rising temperatures are causing a "growing diversity" of Vibrio bacteria
in the sea around the UK, new research shows.


==========================================================================
The study, led by the University of Exeter, found two Vibrio species --
Vibrio rotiferianus and Vibrio jasicida- that have never been recorded
in UK waters before.

These species can harm sea creatures such as shellfish, but the increasing range of Vibrio species also raises concerns for human health.

Some Vibriobacteria can cause gastroenteritis when eaten in raw or
undercooked shellfish, and the bacteria can also cause skin infections.

The researchers say the spread of Vibriospecies has resulted in a
"worldwide surge" of Vibriosis infections in humans and aquatic animals.

"Vibrio species can often be found in UK waters in summer, when
temperatures are more favourable for them," said Dr Sariqa Wagley,
of the University of Exeter.



========================================================================== "With sea-surface temperatures rising due to climate change, Vibrio
activity in the waters is more common, and the diversity of Vibrio species
is now increasing." The study used Met Office data to identify locations
where summer sea-surface temperatures were favourable for Vibrio bacteria (based on average number of days per year warmer than 18DEGC).

Researchers then analysed shellfish samples from four sites used by the shellfish industry -- Chichester Harbour, Osea Island, Whitstable Bay
and Lyme Bay.

"We found Vibrio parahaemolyticus -- the leading cause of seafood-borne gastroenteritis worldwide -- at Chichester Harbour," Dr Wagley said.

"Vibrio alginolyticus, which can also cause illness in humans, was
identified at three of the sites that had sea-surface temperatures above
18DEGC (Chichester Harbour, Osea Island and Whitstable Bay).



==========================================================================
"It is important to note that thorough cooking kills harmful Vibrio
bacteria in seafood.

"However, increasing abundance and diversity of Vibrio bacteria creates
health risks not only for people eating seafood, but for those using
the sea for recreation purposes -- either due to swallowing infected
seawater or from the bacteria entering exposed wounds or cuts.

"Vibrio bacteria are also a threat to a variety of marine species
including shellfish themselves. Disease costs the global aquaculture
industry -L- 6 billion a year, and this burden of disease can be
devastating.

"We have not seen mass mortality of shellfish due to Vibrio bacteria here
in the UK yet, but this has occurred elsewhere -- including in France
and Australia." Dr Wagley added: "Our findings support the hypothesis
that Vibrio-associated diseases are increasing and are influenced by
the rise in sea-surface temperature.

"We need to monitor this situation closely, to protect human health,
marine biodiversity and the seafood industry." Dr Joanne Preston,
from the University of Portsmouth, said: "It is important to monitor
the impact of increasing sea surface temperature on potential shellfish pathogens, not just for human health and safety, but also to understand
the resilience of our coastal species and habitats to climate change."
Dr Luke Helmer, from the Blue Marine Foundation and the University
of Portsmouth, added: "The impacts of climate change on the marine
environment are likely to be widespread.

"Understanding how these changes will affect ecologically and commercially important species and the people that rely on them will be crucial moving forward, in order to mitigate against them." The study -- funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) -- was
supported by Chichester and Havant Council and Sussex Inshore Fisheries
and Conservation Authority.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Exeter. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Jamie Harrison, Kathryn Nelson, Helen Morcrette, Cyril Morcrette,
Joanne
Preston, Luke Helmer, Richard W. Titball, Clive S. Butler,
Sariqa Wagley.

The increased prevalence of Vibrio species and the first
reporting of Vibrio jasicida and Vibrio rotiferianus at
UK shellfish sites.. Water Research, 2021; 117942 DOI:
10.1016/j.watres.2021.117942 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220110103222.htm
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