First Survey on the presence of anisakid parasites in farmed European sea bass and gilthead sea bream produced and marketed in Sicily

The Scientific Opinion of EFSA (2010) outlines as the only fish free of health risks related to Anisakidae parasites the farmed salmon, if reared in floating cages or on-shore cages and fed by feed with no live parasites. Otherwise, the food operator shall verify, by means of procedures approved by the competent authority, that the fishery products do not represent a health risk regarding the presence of live parasites. This opinion was confirmed by several studies conducted on farmed salmon in Norway (Angot and Brasseur, 1993, Aquaculture, 118: 339-344; Lunestad, 2003, J Food Prot, 66:122-124). The absence of anisakid parasites in farmed fish has also been found for other marine fish species such as European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) (Penalver et al., 2010 J Food Prot, 73:1332-1334). Currently there are low evidences on the prevalence of anisakid infestation in aquaculture fish produced and marketed in Italy. In this work, a sampling plan was carried out aimed at collecting different fish samples marketed in Sicily, to verify the presence and prevalence of anisakid parasites infestation. A total of 143 samples of sea bass and 110 samples of sea bream from Sicilian and Greek farms were examined: all the samples were of commercial size (over 200 g). The specimens were taken and stored refrigerated then transferred to the C.Re.N.A laboratories, where visual inspection of viscera and muscle was carried out. The negative samples were subjected to chloro-peptic digestion. The larvae found were subjected to morphological identification, through optical microscopy and molecular analysis by PCRRFLP method. The survey revealed the presence of two parasites belonging to the Anisakidae family, found inside the coelomatic cavity, only in a single sample of European sea bass from a single farm located in Greece, revealing a prevalence of infestation of 1.7%. The larvae were morphologically identified as belonging to the morphotype I of the genus Anisakis. Molecular investigations confirmed the larvae as Anisakis pegreffii species. No larvae were found in the samples of gilthead sea bream examined. The present work represents the first report on the presence of anisakid parasites in European sea bass. Our findings in farmed fish can be traced back to the aquaculture policies; however the prevalence of infestation in these productive realities remains very low. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest further investigations in order to have a comprehensive risk picture

PRESENCE OF ANISAKIS PEGREFFII IN FARMED SEA BASS ( DICENTRARCHUS LABRAX L.) COMMERCIALIZED IN SOUTHERN ITALY: A FIRST REPORT

We examined 151 European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) samples from farms and fish markets of Sicily (Southern Italy) for Anisakidae larvae detection. All the samples were examined by visual inspection and modified chloro-peptic digestion. Two nematode larvae were found in the viscera of only one European sea bass sample from a farm located in Greece (FAO 37.3), giving a total prevalence of infestation of 0.7%. No other parasites were found after chloro-peptic digestion of the samples. The larvae were morphologically ascribed, at genus level, to morphotypes I and molecularly identified as Anisakis pegreffii. To the best if our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of anisakid parasites in farmed European sea bass of Mediterranean Sea. Our findings suggest that the risk of exposure to Anisakidae nematodes in farmed European sea bass remains very low. However, further data on Mediterranean farms are needed to have a detailed risk analysis

Multivariate statistical analysis of the polyphenols content for the discrimination of honey produced in Sicily (Southern Italy)

The polyphenols content of 105 honey samples produced by black honeybees (Apis Mellifera ssp. Sicula) and common honeybees (Apis mellifera ssp. Ligustica) from Western Sicily (Southern Italy) was examined using TurboFlow™ liquid chromatography Orbitrap™ high-resolution mass spectrometry. The results showed very high kaempferol and quercetin contents, with average values higher than what was reported in literature (3967.9±2184.16 and 2206.1±1666.4μg kg⁠−1 for kaempferol and quercetin, respectively). The honey samples produced by Apis Mellifera ssp. Sicula subspecies showed polyphenols content up to two times higher than Apis mellifera ssp. Ligustica. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) model calculated on the polyphenols content showed a satisfactory separation of the honey samples in terms of honeybee subspecies and production area. The model proposed in this work shows the possibility to safeguard the authenticity of the honey produced in the various geographic areas of Sicily

Prevalence of anisakid parasites in fish collected from Apulia region (Italy) and quantification of nematode larvae in flesh

Abstract Anisakis spp. and Hysterothylacium spp. are nematodes that commonly parasitize several fish species. Nematode larvae can be recovered in coelomic cavity and viscera, but also in flesh and have an important economic and public health impact. A total of 1144 subjects of wild teleosts, 340 samples of cephalopods and 128 specimens of farmed fish collected from Apulia region were analysed for anisakid larvae detection by visual inspection of coelomic cavity and viscera and by digestion of the flesh. No nematode larvae were found in farmed fish and cephalopod molluscs. All examined wild-caught fish species were parasitized, except for 5 species for each of which only a few subjects belonging to the same batch were sampled, therefore the results are just indicative. A total of 6153 larvae were isolated; among these, 271 larvae were found in the muscular portion. Larvae were identified by morphological method as belonging to the genera Anisakis (97.2%) (type I and type II) and Hysterothylacium (2.8%). Both nematodes could be found in all fish species, except for round sardinella (Sardinella aurita), infected only by Hysterothylacium spp. and for Mediterranean scaldfish (Arnoglossus laterna), little tunny (Euthynnus alleteratus) and chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) infected only with Anisakis spp.. A sample of 185 larvae was sent to the National Reference Centre for Anisakiasis (C.Re.N.A.) of Sicily for identification at the species level: 180 larvae belonged to the species A. pegreffii and 2 larvae to A. physeteris. The remaining 3 larvae were identified at genus level as Hysterothylacium. Statistical indices such as prevalence, mean intensity and mean abundance were calculated. Chub mackerel (S. japonicus) was the species with the highest prevalence and mean intensity. Moreover, the average and the median values of larvae per 100 g of edible part for each fish species were determined to estimate the consumer exposure to Anisakis spp.. The obtained values were then recalculated by referring to the edible part of all specimens (infected and non-infected) forming a single parasitized batch, getting more realistic and objective data useful for risk assessment. Our results indicate that the consumption of raw or undercooked wild fish caught off Apulian coasts could result in the acquisition of anisakiasis; on the contrary, farmed fish and cephalopods appear to be safer for the consumer

Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758): technical report about extraction and recognition of the digestive tract contents in early stages of the life cycle

The study of ichthyio-plankton stages and its relations with the environment and other organisms is therefore crucial for a correct use of fishery resources. In this context, the extraction and the analysis of the content of the digestive tract, is a key method for the identification of the diet in early larval stages, the determination of the resources they rely on and possibly a comparison with the diet of other species. Additionally this approach could be useful in determination on occurrence of species competition. This technique is preceded by the analysis of morphometric data (Blackith & Reyment, 1971; Marcus, 1990), that is the acquisition of quantitative variables measured from the morphology of the object of study. They are linear distances, count, angles and ratios. The subsequent application of multivariate statistical methods, aims to quantify the changes in morphological measures between and within groups, relating them to the type and size of prey and evaluate if some changes appear in food choices along the larvae growth

The imaging for the the successful bio-communication: ORBS Brand

Producing accessible communication based on scientific research usually involves a great deal of effort in translating complex concepts into a non professional oriented information, but it is only through widely accessible data that knowledge dissemination have stronger repercussions in society. In concordance to this statement, the CNR IAMC and the “Accademia di Belle Arti di Palermo” collaborated in the work frame of the "Information, dissemination and communication system of the Biodiversity Observatory of Sicily” project, a synergistic interaction between science and art. The researchers held biodiversity seminars to the Academy students, involving 19 professorships, aiming to increase the knowledge degree and awareness on the biodiversity, thus stimulating their creativity. One of the main activities carried out during this collaboration was the conceptualization and designing of the Biodiversity Observatory brand, with the representation of biodiversity as the main briefing. The winning proposal was chosen between 13 projects by popular vote, with the participation of more than 800 students and CNR researchers. The branding is a representation of the environment with the use of different animal silhouettes as a symbol of biodiversity. The elements are arranged on a spiral grid suggesting movement, a current that raises deep, nutrient-rich waters to the ocean surface. Extremely evocative and appealing, the logotype has become an integral part of the Observatory's identity, and it's been profusely applied over the years on communication and divulgative materials, website, exhibitions, and memorabilia. Involving such a large number of students and their social groups (family, friends, and etcetera) meant giving the citizens a leading role in an important activity. Participation of the public in the creation of the graphic identity of a key structure in their territory resulted in a dramatic increase of sensitization on the biodiversity and environmental cause and participation in divulgation activities in the following years

Visita all'Osservatorio della Biodiversità marina e terrestre della Regione Sicilia - ORBS

Con il taglio inaugurale del nastro il 16 dicembre 2015, prende vita la struttura museale permanente dell'Osservatorio della Biodiversità marina e terrestre della Regione Sicilia che porta lo stesso nome del Progetto di Ricerca "ORBS – Sistema di comunicazione, informazione e diffusione dell'Osservatorio Regionale della Sicilia", intitolata il 21 dicembre 2018 al Dott. Sandro Fiorelli. Ad oggi, la struttura, è operativa presso la Sede Secondaria dell'Istituto per lo studio degli impatti Antropici e Sostenibilità in ambiente marino del Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IAS – CNR) di Capo Granitola. Il progetto ORBS, finanziato da Regione Siciliana - Assessorato alla Cooperazione, Commercio, Artigianato e Pesca - Dipartimento Pesca, con periodo di attività 2013 - 2015, si è concluso proprio con la realizzazione della struttura museale; l'Osservatorio è stato istituito dall'Assessorato del Territorio e dell'Ambiente della Regione Siciliana nell'ambito di un accordo quadro con ARPA, ISPRA e CNR. Grazie al progetto ORBS, docenti e allievi dell'Accademia di Belle Arti di Palermo e il personale CNR – IAS (ex IAMC) S. S. di Capo Granitola, hanno collaborato sinergicamente permettendo di realizzare delle azioni didattiche e creative di valore scientifico espresse con straordinaria forza e bellezza. Ricercatori e professori si sono confrontati al fine di combinare le proprie competenze riuscendo nel progetto ambizioso di coinvolgere e fondere i diversi ambiti scientifici sensibilizzando gli artisti ai temi della Biodiversità. Le opere prodotte, corredate da schede scientifiche, hanno oltre al valore artistico un aggiunto valore didattico. L'apertura della sezione espositiva dedicata alla diffusione e alla comunicazione della biodiversità rappresenta da un lato l'importante tappa conclusiva del progetto, dall'altro l'inizio di un percorso mirato alla diffusione della biodiversità verso il mondo giovanile, le scuole e per tutto il territorio. Questa strepitosa collaborazione "CNR – Accademia di Belle Arti di Palermo" conferma l'importanza e l'opportunità di unire arte e scienza per esaltare la percezione della ricerca scientifica da parte della comunità. La divulgazione della scienza è un'attività complessa e sicuramente necessita di competenze e attitudini multidisciplinari oltreché di motivazione ed entusiasmo. La comunicazione delle tematiche scientifiche, di per sé ardua nella traduzione al grande pubblico, grazie alla forza esplicativa dell'arte, diviene opportunità di riflessione, osservazione, confronto per le comunità di visitatori. Il coordinamento delle visite delle scuole di ogni ordine e grado, Enti Pubblici, Comunità Scientifica, Cariche Istituzionali, Delegazioni di Politici Italiani e Stranieri, Associazioni Culturali, Associazioni No-Profit di Volontariato, Associazioni di Promozione Sociale, Organizzazioni di Volontariato, Onlus, pubblico in generale, presso ORBS, è affidato al qualificato personale (tecnici, tecnologi e ricercatori) dell'IAS – CNR S. S. di Capo Granitola, che gestisce in prima persona i visitatori nel percorso didattico e promuove il valore della divulgazione scientifica perseguendo la terza missione degli Enti di Ricerca, attraverso l'applicazione diretta, la valorizzazione e l'impiego della conoscenza

Anisakidae in fishing products sold in Sicily

One of the parasite diseases associated with the consumption of raw fish that occurs with some frequency is the anisakiasis, a human disease caused by the accidental ingestion of larval nematodes of the genus <em>Anisakis</em>, family Anisakidae. At the National Reference Centre for Anisakiasis (C.Re.N.A.) from October 2012 to February 2013, a number of 231 bony fish (Trichiuridae, Engraulidae, Scombridae and Clupeidae) were received from different fishing sites in Sicily. <em>Anisakis pegreffii</em> is the main species detected in fish, as identified by molecular analysis based on polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, while <em>Anisakis simplex</em> <em>sensu stricto</em> was found only in <em>Scomber scombrus</em> caught in the Mediterranean Sea (Fishing Areas 37), in the Spanish coast (Fishing Areas 37) and in the Atlantic Ocean (Fishing Areas 34). Larvae of the genus <em>Pseudoterranova</em> were found only in fish caught in the Norwegian Sea