Fideliz Joyce Dechavez

The Philippines is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, and once again, another organism has been added to the list—but this time, it is not the greatest news.


Scientists from Ateneo de Manila University have recently published a study confirming the existence of memory-loss-causing microorganisms in shellfish farms across Luzon.

According to the study, led by biologist Lorenzo Botavara, variants of Pseudo-nitzschia pungens and Pseudo-nitzschia brasiliana have been found in shellfish farms in Luzon, specifically in Bacoor and Pagbilao Bay.

These microorganisms tend to produce neurotoxins called domoic acid (DA), commonly known as amnesic shellfish poison, can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea when taken at a lower dose, and in rare cases, it can also cause irreversible memory loss and even death, when ingested at a higher dose.

The researchers also highlighted that the strain P. brasiliana has been found in Luzon, for the first time ever.

Through the use of morphological species identification—the process of identifying organisms based on their structure, the researchers emphasized that identifying the species known to produce neurotoxins can help in the prevention of extensive algae growth in mariculture zones in the Philippines. 

“Confirming species identities of a genus with half of its constituents known to produce DA is essential to harmful algal blooms (HAB) monitoring,” the researchers stated.

Additionally, it was stated by the researchers that their study sought to explore the country’s diversity through methods pioneered by them. 

“This study is among the first culture-based taxonomic studies of diatoms in the Philippines, in this case confirming the presence of harmful microalgae in the coastal ecosystems of the country,” they stated.