Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in the Central Adriatic Sea

Surveillance of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in the Kastela Bay, Central Adriatic Sea, was conducted in the summers of 1995 through 1997. Toxicity was assessed by the mouse bioassay according to the method proposed by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Incidence of shellfish intoxication by PSP toxins was recorded on several occasions, however at levels not endangering human health. Along with shellfish sampling, seawater samples were taken for analysis of the phytoplankton community and the numerical cell abundance. The phytoplankton composition demonstrates a recurring incidence of Lyngulodinium polyedra, and frequent presence of species from the Alexandrium, Gymnodinium and Gyrodinium genera, well known progenitors of PSP and its analogues. Possible recurrence of such phenomena and their distribution to other regions of the Adriatic coast may have serious health and economic consequences, calling for continuous monitoring of phytoplankton composition and toxicological studies of shellfish.