• New bacteria in UK waters as temperature

    From ScienceDaily@1:317/3 to All on Mon Jan 10 21:30:38 2022
    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
    --- up 5 weeks, 2 days, 7 hours, 13 minutes
    * Origin: -=> Castle Rock BBS <=- Now Husky HPT Powered! (1:317/3)