Rotaviruses are non-enveloped viruses that each consist of 11 double-stranded RNA molecules. These viruses are able to persist in the environment, and therefore play a fundamental role in the epidemiology of gastroenteritis and severe diarrhoea in children worldwide. While mussels have been primarily used as indicators of chemical pollution, they can also be used to monitor viral contamination. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the Mytilus galloprovincialis mussel can also be used to detect microbial contamination, owing to its tendency to naturally concentrate viruses and other pathogens.

Introduction: Growing consumption of shellfish is associated with an increased risk of food poisoning. The study was carried out on live bivalve molluscs available on the Polish market between 2009 and 2013. Material and Methods: ELISA was used for the determination of the following marine biotoxins: paralytic shellfish poison (PSP), amnaesic shellfish poison (ASP), and diarrhoeic shellfish poison (DSP). The molluscs, of which seven species were examined, were obtained from wholesale companies and markets. Results: Marine biotoxins were detected below the permitted levels in 67.6% of the samples. The maximum amounts of PSP and ASP biotoxins were found in great scallops (532.6 μg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg respectively) and the peak for DSP was in blue mussels (107 μg/kg). Conclusion: The analysis of toxicological status of raw bivalve molluscs available on the market in Poland indicates that they are safe for consumers.

Marine biotoxins are toxic substances that may cause illness and death in marine organisms and humans. This article disseminates the results of a 4-year study on the occurrence of marine biotoxins in raw bivalve molluscs purchased from Polish suppliers. A total of 256 samples of 8 different molluscs species were analysed for the presence of biotoxins using the ELISA method for paralytic shellfish poison, diarrhoetic shellfish poison, and amnaesic shellfish poison. The permitted limits of marine biotoxin content were not exceeded in any of the analysed samples and the majority of them were free from these compounds. The results of the study indicate that the tested raw bivalve molluscs available in Poland were safe for consumers.

Diarrhoetic shellfish poisoning (DSP), an alimentary intoxication known to lead to intestinal symptoms, and caused by toxins produced by some dinoflagellates (including several Dinophysis), represents a serious threat to public health. The aim of this paper was to provide information about the occurrence and abundance of potentially toxic harmful algal species causing DSP, and the associated concentration of okadaic acid (OA) toxins. The departing assumption was that in the study area there was an increase in the presence both of Dinophysis species and OA and its derivates that could result in a risk to the health of seafood consumers.

Development of scientifically based activities for rehabilitation of waterfowl (ducks) against helminthoses on the territory of the Republic of Belarus was realized. In course of the study there were analyzed fauna of helminthes and revelation of the main ways of their circulation in environment conditions; expansion and species composition of mollusks of Belarusian Poozerye; determination of species composition of metacercaria revealed in mollusks. In course of determination of intermediate and additional hosts of helminth infestation of ducks it was noted that the main carriers of larval stages of helminthes in ducks were the following species of frash-water mollusks: Vivaparus contectus; Vivaparus vivaparus; Galba palustris; Radix ovata; Radix auricularia; Sphaerium subsolidum; Bithynia tentaculata; Planorbis carinatus; Planorbis planorbis; Coretus corneus. In the studied samples there were revealed metacercaria of Echinostoma revolutum; Hypoderaeum conoideum; Cataropis verrucosa; Echinostoma dietsi. Assumption that some representatives of molluscum (Viviparus contectus; Viviparus viviparus; Planorbis planorbis) were the transport hosts for echinostomiasis was not proved.