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Investigating Non-Native Ribbon Worm Cephalothrix simula as a Potential Source of Tetrodotoxin in British Bivalve
Monika Dhanji-Rapkova1, Robert G Hatfield1, David I Walker1
1Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UB, UK.
Marine Drugs
|October 25, 2024
Summary
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) contamination in European shellfish may be linked to the ribbon worm, Cephalothrix simula. This study found C. simula DNA in oysters and surrounding waters during TTX accumulation periods, suggesting a trophic transfer pathway.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Food Safety
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin found in marine organisms, including seafood. Since 2015, TTX has been increasingly detected in European bivalve shellfish, raising food safety concerns.
- The sources and pathways of TTX accumulation in European bivalves remain largely unknown, despite increased reports of its spatial and temporal distribution.
- The ribbon worm, Cephalothrix simula, is known to contain high levels of TTX and is hypothesized to be involved in its trophic transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of Cephalothrix simula in the trophic transfer of Tetrodotoxin (TTX) to bivalve shellfish in European waters.
- To explore the relationship between the presence of C. simula and TTX occurrence in Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas).
Main Methods:
- A field study was conducted at a single location in southern England.
- DNA from Cephalothrix simula was detected in seawater adjacent to Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) with a history of TTX occurrence.
- Seawater and oyster digestive gland samples were analyzed for C. simula DNA, correlating findings with TTX concentration data in oysters.
Main Results:
- Cephalothrix simula DNA was confirmed in seawater near Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) known to contain TTX.
- Higher concentrations of C. simula DNA in seawater were observed during June and July, coinciding with active TTX accumulation phases in oysters.
- C. simula DNA was detected in oyster digestive glands on a day with peak C. simula DNA abundance in the surrounding seawater.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that Cephalothrix simula plays a role in TTX occurrence in European bivalve shellfish.
- Bivalves may acquire TTX by filter-feeding on microscopic life stages of C. simula present in the water column during specific periods.
- Further research is needed to confirm the feeding activity and fully elucidate the biological source of TTX in these marine ecosystems.
