Allergy Blue Mussel Radio Immunoabsorbent Blood

Mussels enjoy a worldwide distribution in cooler seas where they attach themselves to solid objects or one another by threads. M. edulis has been cultivated in Europe since the 13th century. It requires one year to reach maturity in warmer seas, and as much as 3 years in cooler seas such as off the coast of Wales. The mussel is highly productive in culture and ranges from the Pacific ocean, both sides of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Skin reactivity and specific IgE have been reported to mussel. The Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) is an edible bivalve. It is commonly farmed and harvested for food throughout the world. Blue mussels are part of an ongoing long term environmental monitoring program in Prince William Sound, Alaska, the area affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The study examines hydrocarbon signatures in order to aid a better understanding of ecosystem recovery following the spill. Blue mussels live in intertidal areas attached to rocks and other substrates by strong thread-like structures called byssal threads which are secreted by byssal glands located in the foot. Shell smooth with a sculpturing of concentric lines but no radiating ribs. They are purple, blue or sometimes brown in color. Blue Mussels are preyed upon by starfish such as Asterias vulgaris ; small mussels are also eaten by the Dogwhelk (Nucella lapillus).