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Fish mycobacteriosis is a widespread global problem caused by species of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Mycobacterium marinum is one of the species most often involved in disease episodes of aquarium and farmed fish. Since there is currently no available effective therapy or vaccine, a prompt search for routes of entry is key to limiting the damage induced by the disease. Here we report a case of mycobacteriosis follow up in a European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) farm located in Northern Italy, in which environmental samples and newly added fish batches were analyzed. Samples from fish present on the farm, sediment, and periphyton all resulted positive for M. marinum, whereas the new fish batches and the water samples resulted negative. The environmental resistance of NTM (alcohol-acid resistance, biofilm formation) and the lack of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies make these diseases difficult to manage. Prompt identification of biotic and abiotic reservoirs, combined with good zootechnical hygiene practices, are the most effective measures to control fish mycobacteriosis in intensive farms.
Davide Mugetti; Katia Varello; Paolo Pastorino; Mattia Tomasoni; Vasco Menconi; Elena Bozzetta; Alessandro Dondo; Marino Prearo. Investigation of Potential Reservoirs of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria in a European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Farm. Pathogens 2021, 10, 1014 .
AMA StyleDavide Mugetti, Katia Varello, Paolo Pastorino, Mattia Tomasoni, Vasco Menconi, Elena Bozzetta, Alessandro Dondo, Marino Prearo. Investigation of Potential Reservoirs of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria in a European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Farm. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (8):1014.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavide Mugetti; Katia Varello; Paolo Pastorino; Mattia Tomasoni; Vasco Menconi; Elena Bozzetta; Alessandro Dondo; Marino Prearo. 2021. "Investigation of Potential Reservoirs of Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria in a European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Farm." Pathogens 10, no. 8: 1014.
The genus Pennella comprises hematophagous parasites of marine aquatic species, including cephalopods, marine mammals, and pelagic fish. Nine species have been officially included in the genus Pennella plus another six species inquirendae. They are most often found in the host’s musculature, without penetrating internal organs. For the present study, 83 hearts from swordfish (Xiphias gladius) caught in the Mediterranean Sea were sampled and immediately fixed in formalin for histopathological analysis. In total, 10 (12.05%) hearts were found to be parasitized by copepods of the genus Pennella. Macroscopically, there was mild-to-severe fibrinous pericarditis with atrial wall thickening and multiple parasitic nodules. Histologically, the parasitic nodules were surrounded by an inflammatory-necrotizing reaction. Parasitic infestation by Pennella spp. is common in pelagic fish and in swordfish, in particular. Here, however, we report atypical cardiac localization. A future area of focus is the evaluation of cardiac Pennella spp. infestation by histopathology and genetic identification of the parasites.
Davide Mugetti; Elena Colombino; Vasco Menconi; Fulvio Garibaldi; Walter Mignone; Andrea Gustinelli; Marino Prearo; Franco Guarda; Maria Capucchio. Unusual Localization of Pennella Sp. in Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) Hearts. Animals 2021, 11, 1757 .
AMA StyleDavide Mugetti, Elena Colombino, Vasco Menconi, Fulvio Garibaldi, Walter Mignone, Andrea Gustinelli, Marino Prearo, Franco Guarda, Maria Capucchio. Unusual Localization of Pennella Sp. in Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) Hearts. Animals. 2021; 11 (6):1757.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavide Mugetti; Elena Colombino; Vasco Menconi; Fulvio Garibaldi; Walter Mignone; Andrea Gustinelli; Marino Prearo; Franco Guarda; Maria Capucchio. 2021. "Unusual Localization of Pennella Sp. in Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) Hearts." Animals 11, no. 6: 1757.
The parrotfish Sparisoma cretense, a marine species native to the eastern and southern coastal areas of the Mediterranean, has extended its distribution northward. Here, we provide an update on its distribution based on currently published data and two new records from the coastline of Sardinia, Italy (central-western Mediterranean). The survey methods were scuba diving and spearfishing: one specimen of S. cretense was caught along the Argentiera coastline (northwest Mediterranean) and the others were photographed in the Gulf of Orosei, Osalla Bay (central-eastern Mediterranean). A literature update, together with new records, documents the distribution of this species in the northernmost areas of the Mediterranean. Probably a result of global warming, the ongoing northward expansion of S. cretense highlights the need for sampling campaigns to obtain timely updates on population and distribution of this thermophilic species.
Giuseppe Esposito; Marino Prearo; Vasco Menconi; Davide Mugetti; Domenico Meloni; Mattia Tomasoni; Elisabetta Pizzul; Pierluigi Piras; Monia Renzi; Dario Gaspa; Paolo Pastorino. Northward Spread of the Parrotfish Sparisoma cretense (Teleostei: Scaridae) in the Mediterranean Sea: An Update on Current Distribution with Two New Records from Sardinia. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 2021, 9, 536 .
AMA StyleGiuseppe Esposito, Marino Prearo, Vasco Menconi, Davide Mugetti, Domenico Meloni, Mattia Tomasoni, Elisabetta Pizzul, Pierluigi Piras, Monia Renzi, Dario Gaspa, Paolo Pastorino. Northward Spread of the Parrotfish Sparisoma cretense (Teleostei: Scaridae) in the Mediterranean Sea: An Update on Current Distribution with Two New Records from Sardinia. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. 2021; 9 (5):536.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppe Esposito; Marino Prearo; Vasco Menconi; Davide Mugetti; Domenico Meloni; Mattia Tomasoni; Elisabetta Pizzul; Pierluigi Piras; Monia Renzi; Dario Gaspa; Paolo Pastorino. 2021. "Northward Spread of the Parrotfish Sparisoma cretense (Teleostei: Scaridae) in the Mediterranean Sea: An Update on Current Distribution with Two New Records from Sardinia." Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 9, no. 5: 536.
The Mycobacterium fortuitum group (MFG) consists of about 15 species of fast-growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). These globally distributed microorganisms can cause diseases in humans and animals, especially fish. The increase in the number of species belonging to MFG and the diagnostic techniques panel do not allow to clarify their real clinical significance. In this study, biomolecular techniques were adopted for species determination of 130 isolates derived from fish initially identified through biochemical tests as NTM belonging to MFG. Specifically, gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were used based on a fragment of the gene encoding the 65 KDa heat shock protein (hsp65). The analyzes made it possible to confirm that all the isolates belong to MFG, allowing to identify the strains at species level. Phylogenetic analysis substantially confirmed what was obtained by gene sequencing, except for six strains; this is probably due to the sequences present in NCBI database. Although the methodology used cannot represent a univocal identification system, this study has allowed us to evaluate its effectiveness as regards the species of MFG. Future studies will be necessary to apply these methods with other gene fragments and to clarify the real pathogenic significance of the individual species of this group of microorganisms.
Davide Mugetti; Mattia Tomasoni; Paolo Pastorino; Giuseppe Esposito; Vasco Menconi; Alessandro Dondo; Marino Prearo. Gene Sequencing and Phylogenetic Analysis: Powerful Tools for an Improved Diagnosis of Fish Mycobacteriosis Caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum Group Members. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 797 .
AMA StyleDavide Mugetti, Mattia Tomasoni, Paolo Pastorino, Giuseppe Esposito, Vasco Menconi, Alessandro Dondo, Marino Prearo. Gene Sequencing and Phylogenetic Analysis: Powerful Tools for an Improved Diagnosis of Fish Mycobacteriosis Caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum Group Members. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (4):797.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavide Mugetti; Mattia Tomasoni; Paolo Pastorino; Giuseppe Esposito; Vasco Menconi; Alessandro Dondo; Marino Prearo. 2021. "Gene Sequencing and Phylogenetic Analysis: Powerful Tools for an Improved Diagnosis of Fish Mycobacteriosis Caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum Group Members." Microorganisms 9, no. 4: 797.
The monitoring of microplastics pollution in freshwater environments trails behind its practice in marine ecosystems. We evaluated the use of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) as a potential bioindicator of microplastic litter in freshwater lakes. Samples were collected from three sites (Lovere, Costa Volpino, Castro) at the northern end of Lake Iseo (one of the major subalpine lakes in north Italy) and compared for water physicochemical parameters, biometrical features of zebra mussels, and microplastics items/specimens (color, shape, size, and chemical composition). We hypothesized that since a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) on the Oglio River discharges into this area of the lake, the microplastics in D. polymorpha could be measured and compared in samples from the three sites at different distances from the WWTP. There was no difference in the physicochemical water parameters and biometric features between the samples from the three sites, whereas there was a significant difference in items/specimen between the sites in decreasing order (mean ± standard deviation): Costa Volpino (0.23 ± 0.43) > Lovere (0.07 ± 0.25) > Castro (0.03 ± 0.18). The chi-square test showed a significant difference in shape, color, and chemical composition frequency in the samples from the three sites. The chemical composition of the microplastics was polyethylene terephthalate (45%), nylon (20%), polypropylene (20%), polyamide resin (10%), and polyvinyl chloride (5%). Our data show that the amount of microplastics the zebra mussel accumulated was greater the closer the sampling site to the WWTP. Our findings suggest that the zebra mussel may provide a useful tool to monitor microplastics pollution in lakes.
Paolo Pastorino; Marino Prearo; Serena Anselmi; Vasco Menconi; Marco Bertoli; Alessandro Dondo; Elisabetta Pizzul; Monia Renzi. Use of the Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Mollusca, Bivalvia) as a Bioindicator of Microplastics Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems: A Case Study from Lake Iseo (North Italy). Water 2021, 13, 434 .
AMA StylePaolo Pastorino, Marino Prearo, Serena Anselmi, Vasco Menconi, Marco Bertoli, Alessandro Dondo, Elisabetta Pizzul, Monia Renzi. Use of the Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Mollusca, Bivalvia) as a Bioindicator of Microplastics Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems: A Case Study from Lake Iseo (North Italy). Water. 2021; 13 (4):434.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Pastorino; Marino Prearo; Serena Anselmi; Vasco Menconi; Marco Bertoli; Alessandro Dondo; Elisabetta Pizzul; Monia Renzi. 2021. "Use of the Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Mollusca, Bivalvia) as a Bioindicator of Microplastics Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems: A Case Study from Lake Iseo (North Italy)." Water 13, no. 4: 434.
Plastic pollution has become a pervasive environmental problem on a global scale, from the ocean depths to the aquatic ecosystems of the Tibetan Plateau. To date, data on plastic and microplastic occurrence in pristine ecosystems like high-mountain lakes are lacking. In this study, plastic (>5000 μm) and microplastic (10–5000 μm) levels were measured in snow at the end of the winter season (April 2020), and in water, sediment, and biological samples collected monthly (June–October 2019) during the ice-free season from the Dimon Lake, a high-mountain lake in the Carnic Alps, northeast Italy. Biological samples consisted of chironomids (Diptera, Chironomidae; n = 150) and stomach contents of Cottus gobio (n = 40). Analysis of the water, sediment, and biological samples revealed the absence of plastic and microplastics larger than 10 μm, whereas the snow samples contained microplastics of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) albeit at very low levels (0.11 ± 0.19 L-1). These results show that while the lake ecosystem could be considered unpolluted by microplastics, abundant snow precipitation in winter can trap microplastic particles that deposit on the ground. The very low levels of PET microparticles recorded in the snow samples suggest the need for further research to better understand the source of microplastic pollution in this environmental matrix.
Paolo Pastorino; Elisabetta Pizzul; Marco Bertoli; Serena Anselmi; Manuel Kušće; Vasco Menconi; Marino Prearo; Monia Renzi. First insights into plastic and microplastic occurrence in biotic and abiotic compartments, and snow from a high-mountain lake (Carnic Alps). Chemosphere 2020, 265, 129121 .
AMA StylePaolo Pastorino, Elisabetta Pizzul, Marco Bertoli, Serena Anselmi, Manuel Kušće, Vasco Menconi, Marino Prearo, Monia Renzi. First insights into plastic and microplastic occurrence in biotic and abiotic compartments, and snow from a high-mountain lake (Carnic Alps). Chemosphere. 2020; 265 ():129121.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Pastorino; Elisabetta Pizzul; Marco Bertoli; Serena Anselmi; Manuel Kušće; Vasco Menconi; Marino Prearo; Monia Renzi. 2020. "First insights into plastic and microplastic occurrence in biotic and abiotic compartments, and snow from a high-mountain lake (Carnic Alps)." Chemosphere 265, no. : 129121.
The hypothesis that liver lipid accumulation in fish is an adaptive strategy to survive the winter in the high-altitude environment was assessed in this study. During summer 2019, specimens of Cottus gobio were sampled in 15 watercourses of Friuli Venezia-Giulia Region (Italy) to verify if hepatic steatosis is or not normally present in the species. To do this, hepatic vacuolization was assessed by histology using a semiquantitative score. Furthermore, C. gobio were also captured during the ice-free season at Dimon Lake (1872 m a.s.l.) and But Stream (520 m a.s.l.) to compare the trend in lipid accumulation: water temperature, hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI), Fulton’s condition factor (K), and lipid area percentage (lipid %) were measured monthly. Findings revealed that liver steatosis is rather common in C. gobio. However, the trend in lipid accumulation of this species differed between Dimon Lake and But Stream. Based on the HSI and the GSI, the reproductive cycles differed in fish from the two environments (April–May in But Stream; May–June in Dimon Lake). While K values remained unchanged in the But Stream specimens, significant changes were recorded for Dimon specimens. The increase in lipid % from July to August in the Dimon Lake specimens coincided with greater food availability. With the rapid drop in lake water temperature in October, the lipid % decreased due to slower metabolic rate and lipid utilization from liver stores. There was a slight decrease in lipid % in the But Stream specimens, indicating that lipids were not being accumulated. Introduced years ago, the Dimon Lake bullhead population has since adapted to the winter conditions at high elevation.
Paolo Pastorino; Marco Bertoli; Manuel Kušće; Piero Giulio Giulianini; Vasco Menconi; Marino Prearo; Elisabetta Pizzul. Liver Lipid Accumulation in European Bullhead (Cottus cobio) from a High-Mountain Lake: An Adaptive Strategy to Survive the Adverse Winter Season. Diversity 2020, 12, 442 .
AMA StylePaolo Pastorino, Marco Bertoli, Manuel Kušće, Piero Giulio Giulianini, Vasco Menconi, Marino Prearo, Elisabetta Pizzul. Liver Lipid Accumulation in European Bullhead (Cottus cobio) from a High-Mountain Lake: An Adaptive Strategy to Survive the Adverse Winter Season. Diversity. 2020; 12 (12):442.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Pastorino; Marco Bertoli; Manuel Kušće; Piero Giulio Giulianini; Vasco Menconi; Marino Prearo; Elisabetta Pizzul. 2020. "Liver Lipid Accumulation in European Bullhead (Cottus cobio) from a High-Mountain Lake: An Adaptive Strategy to Survive the Adverse Winter Season." Diversity 12, no. 12: 442.
Integrated multi trophic aquaculture (IMTA) is well developed in seawater, while the only suitable organisms for bioremediation in freshwater are bivalves. The aim of this research has been to investigate a novel system, based on freshwater bivalves integrated with rainbow trout, for the bioremediation of inland aquaculture systems. The Unionid species selected for the experiments was Sinanodonta woodiana. Five mesocosm experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of mussels in filtering the total bacteria and Aeromonas hydrophila, as well as their clearance efficiency on trout farm wastewater. The temperatures, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and phosphates were monitored and were all within the physiological tolerance range of the species in all the experiments. The feasibility of bioremediation with S. woodiana in trout farming has thus been demonstrated, and among the tested rearing densities (3.75; 7.5; 15; 30 and 60 kg m−3) that of 7.5 kg m−3 was found to be optimal. The net reduction of the total bacterial concentration was as much as 72%, while that of A. hydrophila reached a level of 95–98%. No relevant effects of the mussels on particulate suspended material or sedimented material was observed, regardless of the temperature. The efficiency of freshwater bivalves in reducing the bacterial load, in particular toward A. hydrophila, indicates a bioremediation system with the possibility of interesting applications on inland fish farms, and as a biotechnological tool against the diffusion of antibiotic resistance in aquaculture.
Benedetto Sicuro; Beatriz Castelar; Davide Mugetti; Paolo Pastorino; Alberto Chiarandon; Vasco Menconi; Marco Galloni; Marino Prearo. Bioremediation with freshwater bivalves: A sustainable approach to reducing the environmental impact of inland trout farms. Journal of Environmental Management 2020, 276, 111327 .
AMA StyleBenedetto Sicuro, Beatriz Castelar, Davide Mugetti, Paolo Pastorino, Alberto Chiarandon, Vasco Menconi, Marco Galloni, Marino Prearo. Bioremediation with freshwater bivalves: A sustainable approach to reducing the environmental impact of inland trout farms. Journal of Environmental Management. 2020; 276 ():111327.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBenedetto Sicuro; Beatriz Castelar; Davide Mugetti; Paolo Pastorino; Alberto Chiarandon; Vasco Menconi; Marco Galloni; Marino Prearo. 2020. "Bioremediation with freshwater bivalves: A sustainable approach to reducing the environmental impact of inland trout farms." Journal of Environmental Management 276, no. : 111327.
Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii, a slow-growing mycobacterium closely related to M. marinum, has been isolated only in wild fish in the United States and in Japanese fish farms to date. Here, we report cases of mortality in three farmed fish species (Dicentrarchus labrax, Sparus aurata, and Sciaenops ocellatus) caused by M. pseudoshottsii in Italy. Samples underwent necropsy, histology, and culture with pathogen identification based on PCR and sequencing of housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, hsp65, rpoB). Multifocal to coalescing granulomatous and necrotizing inflammation with acid-fast bacilli were observed in the parenchymatous organs, from which M. pseudoshottsii was isolated and identified. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the results of gene sequencing and allowed subdivision of the isolates into three distinct groups. M. pseudoshottsii poses a potential threat for Mediterranean aquaculture. Its origin in the area under study needs to be clarified, as well as the threat to the farmed fish species.
Davide Mugetti; Katia Varello; Andrea Gustinelli; Paolo Pastorino; Vasco Menconi; Daniela Florio; Maria Letizia Fioravanti; Elena Bozzetta; Simona Zoppi; Alessandro Dondo; Marino Prearo. Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii in Mediterranean Fish Farms: New Trouble for European Aquaculture? Pathogens 2020, 9, 610 .
AMA StyleDavide Mugetti, Katia Varello, Andrea Gustinelli, Paolo Pastorino, Vasco Menconi, Daniela Florio, Maria Letizia Fioravanti, Elena Bozzetta, Simona Zoppi, Alessandro Dondo, Marino Prearo. Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii in Mediterranean Fish Farms: New Trouble for European Aquaculture? Pathogens. 2020; 9 (8):610.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavide Mugetti; Katia Varello; Andrea Gustinelli; Paolo Pastorino; Vasco Menconi; Daniela Florio; Maria Letizia Fioravanti; Elena Bozzetta; Simona Zoppi; Alessandro Dondo; Marino Prearo. 2020. "Mycobacterium pseudoshottsii in Mediterranean Fish Farms: New Trouble for European Aquaculture?" Pathogens 9, no. 8: 610.
Dibothriocephalus latus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea; syn. Diphyllobothrium latum), is a fish-borne zoonotic parasite responsible for diphyllobothriasis in humans. Although D. latus has long been studied, many aspects of its epidemiology and distribution remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, mean intensity of infestation, and mean abundance of plerocercoid larvae of D. latus in European perch (Perca fluviatilis) and its spatial distribution in three commercial fishing areas in Lake Iseo (Northern Italy). A total of 598 specimens of P. fluviatilis were caught in 2019. The total prevalence of D. latus was 6.5%. However, there were significant differences between areas (10.2% North; 7.3% Center; 1.5% South) (Chi-square test, p = 0.0018). The mean intensity of infestation ranged from 1 larva in southern area to 1.2 larvae in both the central and northern (Pisogne) areas. In addition, the mean abundance ranged from 0.02 in the southern area to 0.26 in the northern area (Pisogne). The total number of larvae (anterior dorsal—AD = 21; anterior ventral—AV = 1; posterior dorsal—PD = 15; posterior ventral—PV = 5) differed significantly between the four anatomical quadrants (Kruskal–Wallis test; p = 0.0001). The prevalence of D. latus plerocercoid larvae in European perch from Lake Iseo has long been investigated, but without an appropriate sampling design. With the present study, a broader analysis in spatial distribution has been added to the existing literature, revealing new information about D. latus distribution and occurrence in Lake Iseo, with new data that will be useful for health authorities and future studies.
Vasco Menconi; Paolo Pastorino; Ivana Momo; Davide Mugetti; Maria Bona; Sara Levetti; Mattia Tomasoni; Elisabetta Pizzul; Giuseppe Ru; Alessandro Dondo; Marino Prearo. Occurrence and Spatial Distribution of Dibothriocephalus Latus (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) in Lake Iseo (Northern Italy): An Update. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 5070 .
AMA StyleVasco Menconi, Paolo Pastorino, Ivana Momo, Davide Mugetti, Maria Bona, Sara Levetti, Mattia Tomasoni, Elisabetta Pizzul, Giuseppe Ru, Alessandro Dondo, Marino Prearo. Occurrence and Spatial Distribution of Dibothriocephalus Latus (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) in Lake Iseo (Northern Italy): An Update. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (14):5070.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVasco Menconi; Paolo Pastorino; Ivana Momo; Davide Mugetti; Maria Bona; Sara Levetti; Mattia Tomasoni; Elisabetta Pizzul; Giuseppe Ru; Alessandro Dondo; Marino Prearo. 2020. "Occurrence and Spatial Distribution of Dibothriocephalus Latus (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) in Lake Iseo (Northern Italy): An Update." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 14: 5070.
The genus Eustrongylides includes nematodes that infect fish species and fish-eating birds inhabiting freshwater ecosystems. Nematodes belonging to the genus Eustrongylides are potentially pathogenic for humans; infection occurs after the consumption of raw or undercooked fish. In the two-year period 2019–2020, a total of 292 fish belonging to eight species were examined for the occurrence of Eustrongylides spp. from Lake San Michele, a small subalpine lake in northwest Italy. The prevalence of infestation was 18.3% in Lepomis gibbosus, 16.7% in Micropterus salmoides, and 10% in Perca fluviatilis. The other five fish species (Ameiurus melas, Ictalurus punctatus, Squalius cephalus, Carassius carassius, and Scardinius erythrophthalmus) were all negative for parasite presence. There were no significant differences in prevalence between the three fish species (Fisher’s exact test; p = 0.744). The mean intensity of infestation ranged from 1 (M. salmoides and P. fluviatilis) to 1.15 (L. gibbosus), and the mean abundance ranged from 0.1 (P. fluviatilis) to 0.28 (L. gibbosus). There were significant differences in the infestation site between the four muscle quadrants (anterior ventral, anterior dorsal, posterior ventral, and posterior dorsal) and the visceral cavity (Kruskal–Wallis test; p = 0.0008). The study findings advance our knowledge about the distribution and host range of this parasite in Italy.
Vasco Menconi; Maria Vittoria Riina; Paolo Pastorino; Davide Mugetti; Serena Canola; Elisabetta Pizzul; Maria Cristina Bona; Alessandro Dondo; Pier Luigi Acutis; Marino Prearo. First Occurrence of Eustrongylides spp. (Nematoda: Dioctophymatidae) in a Subalpine Lake in Northwest Italy: New Data on Distribution and Host Range. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 4171 .
AMA StyleVasco Menconi, Maria Vittoria Riina, Paolo Pastorino, Davide Mugetti, Serena Canola, Elisabetta Pizzul, Maria Cristina Bona, Alessandro Dondo, Pier Luigi Acutis, Marino Prearo. First Occurrence of Eustrongylides spp. (Nematoda: Dioctophymatidae) in a Subalpine Lake in Northwest Italy: New Data on Distribution and Host Range. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (11):4171.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVasco Menconi; Maria Vittoria Riina; Paolo Pastorino; Davide Mugetti; Serena Canola; Elisabetta Pizzul; Maria Cristina Bona; Alessandro Dondo; Pier Luigi Acutis; Marino Prearo. 2020. "First Occurrence of Eustrongylides spp. (Nematoda: Dioctophymatidae) in a Subalpine Lake in Northwest Italy: New Data on Distribution and Host Range." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 11: 4171.
We report the first case of Acipenser iridovirus European (AcIV-E) infection in starry sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) and in sterlet (A. ruthenus) reared in Northern Italy. During 2018, mortality began in A. stellatus and A. ruthenus specimens reared in co-habitation with Russian sturgeon positive for AcIV-E. Molecular analyses were done on the gills to amplify a fragment of the major capsid protein (MCP) gene using real-time PCR against AcIV-E. DNA of the positive samples was further sequenced and phylogenetic analyses were performed. The MCP gene sequences were highly similar to a virus previously identified in Italy (nucleotide identities between 99.38% and 99.69%). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed our hypothesis of passage of the virus from the infected Russian sturgeon. The detection of AcIV-E in new species of the Acipenseridae family may impact on sturgeon production, with relevant economic losses.
Davide Mugetti; Paolo Pastorino; Vasco Menconi; Margherita Messina; Loretta Masoero; Luisa Ceresa; Claudio Pedron; Marino Prearo. Two New Sturgeon Species are Susceptible to Acipenser Iridovirus European (AcIV-E) Infection. Pathogens 2020, 9, 156 .
AMA StyleDavide Mugetti, Paolo Pastorino, Vasco Menconi, Margherita Messina, Loretta Masoero, Luisa Ceresa, Claudio Pedron, Marino Prearo. Two New Sturgeon Species are Susceptible to Acipenser Iridovirus European (AcIV-E) Infection. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (3):156.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavide Mugetti; Paolo Pastorino; Vasco Menconi; Margherita Messina; Loretta Masoero; Luisa Ceresa; Claudio Pedron; Marino Prearo. 2020. "Two New Sturgeon Species are Susceptible to Acipenser Iridovirus European (AcIV-E) Infection." Pathogens 9, no. 3: 156.
Clinostomum complanatum, a digenean trematode of the Clinostomidae family, is a fish-borne zoonotic parasite responsible for Halzoun syndrome in humans and is transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish. Of the total of 112 specimens of European perch (Perca fluviatilis) sampled from a subalpine lake (Lake Endine) in North Italy in 2019, 21 (18.75%) tested positive for encysted metacercariae in the fillet. This study reports the first isolation of C. complanatum in P. fluviatilis and highlights the possible zoonotic risk for consumers, since P. fluviatilis is a food fish used in the traditional local cuisine.
Vasco Menconi; Chiara Manfrin; Paolo Pastorino; Davide Mugetti; Luana Cortinovis; Elisabetta Pizzul; Alberto Pallavicini; Marino Prearo. First Report of Clinostomum complanatum (Trematoda: Digenea) in European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) from an Italian Subalpine Lake: A Risk for Public Health? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 1389 .
AMA StyleVasco Menconi, Chiara Manfrin, Paolo Pastorino, Davide Mugetti, Luana Cortinovis, Elisabetta Pizzul, Alberto Pallavicini, Marino Prearo. First Report of Clinostomum complanatum (Trematoda: Digenea) in European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) from an Italian Subalpine Lake: A Risk for Public Health? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (4):1389.
Chicago/Turabian StyleVasco Menconi; Chiara Manfrin; Paolo Pastorino; Davide Mugetti; Luana Cortinovis; Elisabetta Pizzul; Alberto Pallavicini; Marino Prearo. 2020. "First Report of Clinostomum complanatum (Trematoda: Digenea) in European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) from an Italian Subalpine Lake: A Risk for Public Health?" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 4: 1389.
Although sturgeon production by aquaculture has increased worldwide, a major factor limiting its expansion are infectious diseases, although few data about viral diseases are available however. This review provides a rapid overview of viral agents detected and described to date. Following a general introduction on viral diseases are four sections arranged by virus classification: sturgeon nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses, herpesviruses, white sturgeon adenovirus 1, and other viruses. Molecular diagnosis is currently the best tool to detect viral diseases, since cell culture isolation is not yet applicable for the detection of most sturgeon viruses.
Davide Mugetti; Paolo Pastorino; Vasco Menconi; Claudio Pedron; Marino Prearo. The Old and the New on Viral Diseases in Sturgeon. Pathogens 2020, 9, 146 .
AMA StyleDavide Mugetti, Paolo Pastorino, Vasco Menconi, Claudio Pedron, Marino Prearo. The Old and the New on Viral Diseases in Sturgeon. Pathogens. 2020; 9 (2):146.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavide Mugetti; Paolo Pastorino; Vasco Menconi; Claudio Pedron; Marino Prearo. 2020. "The Old and the New on Viral Diseases in Sturgeon." Pathogens 9, no. 2: 146.
This study aimed to assess the biological and sanitary conditions of alien fish in a high-mountain lake (Balma Lake) located in the Cottian Alps. A single fish sampling session (August 2018) using gillnets collected 90 specimens of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Sex and age were determined (59 females and 31 males, age class 0+ to 4+). Regression analysis showed no difference in total weight and total length between males and females (ANCOVA: F = 0.453; p = 0.954). The mean condition factor (Kmean) decreased with increasing age for males and females. Terrestrial insects were the main prey found in the fish stomachs. The parasitological exam was negative, and the bacteriological exam was positive for Carnobacterium maltaromaticum and C. divergens in 33% of specimens. The total mercury, cadmium, and lead concentration in muscle tissue was within the maximum limit established by the European Commission for human consumption. The brook trout population was found to be well structured; these findings may help local administrations in the implementation of eradication measures.
Paolo Pastorino; Marino Prearo; Marco Bertoli; Vasco Menconi; Giuseppe Esposito; Marzia Righetti; Davide Mugetti; Sabina Pederiva; Maria Cesarina Abete; Elisabetta Pizzul. Assessment of Biological and Sanitary Condition of Alien Fish from a High-Mountain Lake (Cottian Alps). Water 2020, 12, 559 .
AMA StylePaolo Pastorino, Marino Prearo, Marco Bertoli, Vasco Menconi, Giuseppe Esposito, Marzia Righetti, Davide Mugetti, Sabina Pederiva, Maria Cesarina Abete, Elisabetta Pizzul. Assessment of Biological and Sanitary Condition of Alien Fish from a High-Mountain Lake (Cottian Alps). Water. 2020; 12 (2):559.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Pastorino; Marino Prearo; Marco Bertoli; Vasco Menconi; Giuseppe Esposito; Marzia Righetti; Davide Mugetti; Sabina Pederiva; Maria Cesarina Abete; Elisabetta Pizzul. 2020. "Assessment of Biological and Sanitary Condition of Alien Fish from a High-Mountain Lake (Cottian Alps)." Water 12, no. 2: 559.
The aim of this study was to describe liver alterations observed in a bullhead (Cottus gobio) population from a high-mountain lake (Dimon Lake; 1857 m a.s.l.) located in Carnic Alps (Northeast Italy). Two fish sampling campaigns (summer and autumn) were performed in 2017 to explore the possible causes of this phenomenon. In addition, to investigate the typical liver features of C. gobio, control specimens were captured from Degano Creek in the same seasons. Total length, weight, and liver weight were recorded in fish from both sampling sites. In addition, Fulton’s condition factor (K) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were calculated. Stomach contents were also analyzed. Liver from each specimen was sampled, and histological examination was carried out. Liver steatosis (L) (nuclear displacement and cytoplasm vacuolization) were histologically evaluated by assigning a semiquantitative severity score. A significant difference in L was found between Dimon Lake and Degano Creek in both summer (Mann–Whitney test; p = 0.0001) and autumn (Mann–Whitney test; p < 0.0001). Regarding HSI, a significant difference was also recorded between Dimon Lake and Degano Creek in summer (Mann–Whitney test; p < 0.0001) and also in autumn (Mann–Whitney test; p < 0.0001), but no seasonal change in K values was recorded between the two sites in both summer (Mann–Whitney test; p = 0.8589) and autumn (Mann–Whitney test; p = 0.6415). A significant positive correlation between HSI and L was found (ρS 0.573). The causes of this abnormality might be related to adaptation by the fish to the high-altitude environment, accumulating lipids in the liver to tackle the adverse season, which lasts for 6 months of the year. Nonetheless, our study does not preclude steatosis induced by a nearly exclusive chironomids diet in bullhead from Dimon Lake.
Paolo Pastorino; Marino Prearo; Elisabetta Pizzul; Marco Bertoli; Danila Raffaella Francese; Vasco Menconi; Davide Mugetti; Elena Bozzetta; Katia Varello. Hepatic Steatosis in a Bullhead (Cottus gobio) Population from a High-Mountain Lake (Carnic Alps): Adaptation to an Extreme Ecosystem? Water 2019, 11, 2570 .
AMA StylePaolo Pastorino, Marino Prearo, Elisabetta Pizzul, Marco Bertoli, Danila Raffaella Francese, Vasco Menconi, Davide Mugetti, Elena Bozzetta, Katia Varello. Hepatic Steatosis in a Bullhead (Cottus gobio) Population from a High-Mountain Lake (Carnic Alps): Adaptation to an Extreme Ecosystem? Water. 2019; 11 (12):2570.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Pastorino; Marino Prearo; Elisabetta Pizzul; Marco Bertoli; Danila Raffaella Francese; Vasco Menconi; Davide Mugetti; Elena Bozzetta; Katia Varello. 2019. "Hepatic Steatosis in a Bullhead (Cottus gobio) Population from a High-Mountain Lake (Carnic Alps): Adaptation to an Extreme Ecosystem?" Water 11, no. 12: 2570.
Lactococcosis is a fish disease of major concern in Mediterranean countries caused by Lactococcus garvieae. The most susceptible species is the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), suffering acute disease associated with elevated mortalities compared to other fish species. References reported that other salmonids are also susceptible to the disease, but no mortality outbreak has been described to date. The aim of this study was to present a mortality outbreak that occurred in brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) farmed in northwestern Italy during the summer of 2018. Fish exhibited clinical signs, such as exophthalmos, diffused hemorrhages localized in the ocular zone, hemorrhagic enteritis, and enlarged spleen. L. garvieae was isolated in all fish. Molecular and epidemiological characterization of the isolates, through Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE), confirmed the initial hypothesis of water as vehicle of infection favoring transmission between rainbow trout farmed in upstream compartments and brook trout located in downstream tanks. Moreover, several environmental conditions affected and promoted the outbreak, among them the high-water temperature, which probably induced a physiological stress in brook trout, being way above the optimal temperature for this species, increasing the susceptibility to infection.
Paolo Pastorino; Ana Isabel Vela Alonso; Silvia Colussi; Giulia Cavazza; Vasco Menconi; Davide Mugetti; Marzia Righetti; Raffaella Barbero; Gaetano Zuccaro; José Francisco Fernández-Garayzábal; Alessandro Dondo; Pier Luigi Acutis; Marino Prearo. A Summer Mortality Outbreak of Lactococcosis by Lactococcus garvieae in a Raceway System Affecting Farmed Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Animals 2019, 9, 1043 .
AMA StylePaolo Pastorino, Ana Isabel Vela Alonso, Silvia Colussi, Giulia Cavazza, Vasco Menconi, Davide Mugetti, Marzia Righetti, Raffaella Barbero, Gaetano Zuccaro, José Francisco Fernández-Garayzábal, Alessandro Dondo, Pier Luigi Acutis, Marino Prearo. A Summer Mortality Outbreak of Lactococcosis by Lactococcus garvieae in a Raceway System Affecting Farmed Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Animals. 2019; 9 (12):1043.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Pastorino; Ana Isabel Vela Alonso; Silvia Colussi; Giulia Cavazza; Vasco Menconi; Davide Mugetti; Marzia Righetti; Raffaella Barbero; Gaetano Zuccaro; José Francisco Fernández-Garayzábal; Alessandro Dondo; Pier Luigi Acutis; Marino Prearo. 2019. "A Summer Mortality Outbreak of Lactococcosis by Lactococcus garvieae in a Raceway System Affecting Farmed Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)." Animals 9, no. 12: 1043.