| Abstract | dc.description.abstract | Azaspiracids are a family of lipophilic polyether marine biotoxins that have caused
a number of human intoxication incidents in Europe since 1995 following the consumption
by consumers of intoxicated shellfish (Mytilus edulis). These azaspiracids have now been
identified in mussels (Mytilus chilensis) and scallops (Argopecten purpuratus) from two
Chilean locations. This is the first report of the occurrence of azaspiracid toxins in these
species (Mytilus chilensis and Argopecten purpuratus) from Chile. The areas studied were
Bahı´a Inglesa (III Region, 27 SL) and Chiloe´ Archipelago, both important scallop and
mussels farming areas. Separation of azaspiracid (AZA1), azaspiracid isomer (AZA6) and its
analogues, 8-methylazaspiracid (AZA2) and 22-demethylazaspiracid (AZA3), was achieved
using reversed-phase LC and toxins were identified using a turbo electrospray ionisation
(ESI) source, to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer.
In mussels, AZA1 was the predominant toxin in mussel hepatopancreas with AZA2, AZA3
and AZA6 present in approximate equivalent amounts in the remaining tissues, 20–30% of
the AZA1 level. AZA2 predominated in the scallop samples with the toxin almost entirely
present in the hepatopancreas (digestive gland). AZA1 was only observed in some of the
scallop samples and was present at 12–15% of the AZA2 levels.
Whilst the levels of AZAs in Chilean samples are below the EU regulatory limit of 160 mg/
kg, it is significant that this toxin is present in Pacific Ocean species. Consequently
measures should be taken by regulatory authorities to implement regular seafood monitoring
to ensure safety of harvested product. | en_US |
