Research Programme B16: List of Projects
Details of Agency-funded project under the Shellfish Hygiene research programme (B16).
B04001: The development of improved simplified and standardised PCR based techniques for the detection of Norovirus and hepatitis A virus in molluscan shellfish
This research project aims to adapt existing methods to establish a simple, reliable, robust and well standardised method for Norovirus detection.
Results available.
B04002: Development of procedures for improved viral reduction in oysters during commercial depuration
This research study aims to develop procedures that will improve viral reduction during commercial purification of oysters.
Results available.
B04003: Developing methods for the isolation and detection of viruses in shellfish, particularly Noroviruses
This research project aims to develop a simple, rapid and inexpensive method to detect Norovirus contamination of shellfish and other foods.
Results available.
B04004: Development and use of non-biological assays for recently discovered shellfish toxins
This research project will develop analytical methods for DSP toxins and investigate the frequency of these toxins in UK shellfish.
B04005: Correlation between algal presence in water and toxin presence in shellfish
This study aims to examine the correlation between environmental phytoplankton and toxin levels in shellfish.
Results available.
B04006: Assessment and validation of a commercial rapid qualitative assay (MIST Alert™) for detection of shellfish toxins
This research project aims to assess and validate the use of MIST Alert™ for detection of toxins in UK shellfish.
B04007/B04010: Development, evaluation and assessment of methods for the determination of amnesic, diarrhetic and paralytic shellfish poisoning (ASP, DSP and PSP) toxins
These two research projects aim to develop better detection methods for the routine biotoxin monitoring program for shellfish.
B04008: Application and validation of techniques for the detection of pathogens in shellfish
This research project intends to establish optimum methods for the detection of C. parvum, E. coli and campylobacter in UK shellfish and evaluate the effectiveness of commercial purification.
Results available.
B04009: Evaluation and validation of alternative indicators of viral contamination in bivalve molluscan shellfish
This research project aims to identify viral indicators that may be used to predict the safety of shellfish more effectively than E. coli.
Results available.
B05001: The survival of Noroviruses and potential viral indicators in sewage treatment processes and in the marine environment
This research study aims to provide information on the survival and behaviour of Noroviruses and potential viral indicators in sewage treatment and marine environments.
Results available.
B16001: A study to identify the causative agent(s) responsible for atypical responses in the DSP MBA from cockles and other relevant shellfish material using LC-MS
This research project aims to detect and identify the causal agent(s) responsible for atypical responses in the diarrhetic shellfish poisoning mouse bioassay (DSP MBA).
Results available.
B16002: Validation of the extraction procedures applied in the Yasumoto method for the detection of toxins in shellfish associated with diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP)
This research study aims to review and produce validation data for the national standard operating procedures for diarrhetic shellfish poisoning toxins in shellfish.
Results available.
B16004: Investigation of the putative neurotoxic effect of cockle extracts using extracellular field potential recordings in hippocampal slices
This in vitro research project will examine the ability of atypical cockle extract to disrupt transmission of electrochemical signals in the central nervous system. The responses will be compared with responses from known neurotoxic shellfish toxins.
Results available.
B16005: Sixteen in vitro neurotransmitter receptor competitive binding studies on cockle extracts
This in vitro research project aimed to investigate the nature of the toxic effects of atypical cockle extracts by examining the possibility that the extract may affect cell receptors of the mammalian nervous system.
Results available.
B16006: Cockle cell extracts - an in vitro cytotoxicity study of effects on lactate dehydrogenase leakage, ATP levels and apoptosis induction in Balb/c 3T3 and HepG2 cells
This research project aims to examine the potential cytotoxicity of cockle extract that gives rise to the atypical response in the diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) mouse bioassay (MBA).
Results available.
B16008: Investigation of the efficiency of the lipophilic biotoxin MBA extraction method to remove a model hydrophilic biotoxin (dc-saxitoxin)
This research project aims to investigate the transfer of a model hydrophilic Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) toxin (dc-STX) from shellfish into extracts used for the Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP) assay.
Results available.