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Pollution-associated diseases and abnormalities of fish and shellfish: a review

Journal Article · · Fish. Bull.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6403381
The relationship of disease and environmental stress is becoming increasingly well established with time. Human activities, particularly those that result in chemical additions to the coastal/estuarine environment, have increased the potential stresses on fish and shellfish inhabiting those areas. Circumstantial evidence for associations of pollutants with certain fish and shellfish diseases and abnormalities is accumulating. This paper attempts to review and evaluate existing information about associations of disease and marine environmental degradation. Emphasis has been placed on: diseases caused by contaminant stress and related facultative pathogens; stress-provoked latent infections; environmentally induced abnormalities; genetic abnormalities associated with mutagenic and other properties of contaminants; experimentally induced lesions; contaminant effects on resistance and immune responses; and pollutant-parasite interactions. There are several diseases, particularly fin erosion and ulcers in fish and shell disease in crustaceans, for which a relationship with pollution seems evident, and there are a number of other diseases or abnormalities (such as certain neoplasms and skeletal anomalies) for which a relationship with pollution is indicated. Furthermore, there is some evidence that certain latent viral infections may be provoked into patency by environmental stress.
Research Organization:
National Marine Fisheries Service, Highlands, NJ
OSTI ID:
6403381
Journal Information:
Fish. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Fish. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 76:4; ISSN FSYBA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English