Review article

Adriatic shellfish as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens

Karla Lemić ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Mladenka Vukšić ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia *
Željka Cvrtila ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Tomislav Mikuš ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Adriatic shellfish's biological and ecological characteristics influence their sanitary safety and their role as potential vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Filtration capacity of shellfish, although essential for their feeding, enables the accumulation of bacteria, viruses, and parasites present in the marine environment. The most important species in the Adriatic Sea mussels, oysters, and warty venus, represent a valuable food resource, but due to the frequent consumption of raw shellfish, pose a risk of zoonotic transmission to humans. Most common pathogens are bacteria (Vibrio spp., Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter spp., and Escherichia coli), viruses (norovirus, astrovirus, hepatitis A and E), and parasites (Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Sarcocystis spp.). Factors influencing pathogen accumulation are temperature, salinity, pollution, and anthropogenic impacts. Measures for the prevention and control of zoonotic risks, include the classification of farming areas, depuration, monitoring, and laboratory diagnostics. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of the integrated "One Health" approach, which links environmental protection, food safety, and public health.

Keywords

Adriatic shellfish; zoonotic pathogens; food safety

Hrčak ID:

349757

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/349757

Publication date:

25.7.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian german spanish italian

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