M shellfish In terms of diversity of species, they occupy second place in the world of living beings. In Europe, shellfish, and in particular oysters, have always been treated with great care. Among the residents Ancient Rome It was considered shameful not to be able to determine the type and origin of shellfish by taste. In addition, for a long time people have been engaged not only in simple gathering of shellfish, but also tried to organize their cultivation.Recipes with shellfish are still in cookbooks in many countries. These dishes are considered delicacies almost everywhere and are in steady demand in the best restaurants in the world. Today we will take an excursion into the world of dishes that are quite exotic for us.
M shellfish- invertebrate animals. The body of many mollusks is covered with a shell or shell. There are more than a million species of mollusks in the world, which are usually classified into several classes. The most famous classes are gastropods, bivalves and cephalopods. 
1. Gastropods(Gastropoda). Representatives of this class have a pair of eyes, a movable leg attached directly to the body (hence the name); The body of these mollusks is protected by a shell. Gastropods are: abalone, whelk, periwinkle, grape snail, geoduck. The largest gastropod is: its weight reaches 1.5 kg, and its body size is three times larger than a 20-centimeter shell. 
2. Bivalves
(Bivalvia). The body of these animals is covered with a durable shell consisting of two valves. A muscular outgrowth - a leg on the abdominal part of the body of bivalves - allows them to cling tightly to stones or the bottoms of ships. Bivalves include oysters, mussels and scallops. 
3. Cephalopods(Cephalopoda) - the largest of all mollusks. Their body either does not have a shell (like an octopus), or the shell is preserved in the form of a subcutaneous calcareous plate (like a cuttlefish). Cephalopods live in the depths of seas and oceans. This species is able to camouflage itself into its environment. Cephalopods include octopus, squid and cuttlefish. Giant squids can reach 15 m in length. 
Spreading
Bivalve mollusks live in salt and fresh water bodies in every corner of the planet.
Gastropods are inhabitants of land and water bodies.
Cephalopods live exclusively in seas and oceans. Squids are independent of climatic conditions and are found even in northern seas and Arctic waters; Octopuses and cuttlefish prefer the depths of the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Preparation
Oysters and scallops can be eaten raw directly in their own shells with a squeeze of lemon juice. There is even a special cutlery for this.
Guidak and grape snail are cooked in their own shells. Octopus, cuttlefish and squid are suitable for many dishes and even for canning. Their fillets can be used in salads. The contents of cuttlefish ink glands are also used as “black risotto” sauce.
Compound
All seafood is an invaluable source of protein, iodine, vitamins and phosphorus.
Interesting fact
Meeting at depth with a huge cephalopod - giant cuttlefish Nautilus - to this day is the most terrible underwater nightmare, often described in books and disaster films.
Calorie content of shellfish
Calorie content of octopus - 109.8 kcal, squid - 82 kcal, cuttlefish - 61 kcal, mussels - 77 kcal, oysters - 88 kcal; scallop- 89 kcal.
Manhattan clam chowder
This soup comes from one of my favorite restaurants in New York, Red Lobster. This is a light, summer soup. Very tasty and aromatic.
Ingredients:
. Water - 3 cups.
. Clams - 24 pcs
. Red onion - 1/2 pcs
. Petiole celery - 2 pcs.
. Garlic - 2 teeth.
. Tomatoes in own juice(800 grams) - 1 ban.
. Potatoes - 2 pcs.
. Parsley - 2 tbsp. l.
. Oregano - 1 tbsp. l.
. Salt (and pepper, to taste)
The shellfish must be washed well and checked that the shells are closed. If the shell is not tightly closed, then such a shellfish cannot be consumed.
1. Place clams in boiling water, close the lid and cook until the shells open. About 10 minutes. Those shells that do not open should be thrown away.
2. Transfer the shells to a plate and remove the meat from them.
3. Place the shellfish meat in a bowl and pour a little broth on top in which they were boiled so that they do not dry out. Strain the remaining broth through a double layer of gauze and reserve. We will need it.
4. Pour 1 tbsp into the pan. spoon of vegetable oil and add bacon cut into pieces (about 1 cm). Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. About 7 minutes.
5. Then remove the bacon from the pan and place on a paper towel to excess fat stack.
6. Add another 1 tbsp to the pan where the bacon fat remains. spoon of vegetable oil, add finely chopped onion, celery and garlic. Cook over medium heat for about 7 minutes. The vegetables should become slightly golden.
7. Then add finely chopped tomatoes, tomato juice, shellfish broth and potatoes cut into small cubes to the vegetables. Cook over high heat until the potatoes are done. About 8-10 minutes.
8. Cut the clams in half, finely chop the oregano and parsley and add to the soup. Cook with the lid closed for about 1 minute. If desired, you can add salt and pepper. But clams and bacon are salty on their own, so I never add salt. 
Serve immediately, hot. Bon appetit!!!
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U stritsa(Ostreidae) belongs to the family of marine bivalve mollusks. According to the shape of the shell, these mollusks can be flat or concave (deep). The outline of the shell is usually irregularly rounded or oval-wedge-shaped. They also vary in size: a giant oyster can be up to 40-45 cm in length, while European species shell length 8-12 cm. 
There are about 50 species of oysters in their natural habitat. All of them - filter feeders - pass through the mantle cavity sea water, concentrating heavy metals in the body. In one hour, an oyster can filter 3 liters of water. Oysters begin to spawn (up to 500 million eggs per season) in the spring, and finish by the end of summer. They can live alone, but most often they form colonies - multi-layered settlements called oyster banks.
Spreading
Oysters prefer relatively warm waters, they can be found off the coast of Cherny and Japanese seas, in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, in the Indian and Pacific oceans. Choosing water with a low salt content, mollusks often settle in estuaries, in the tidal zone, very close to the shore or at a depth of 1 meter, although some species of oysters are also found at a depth of 60-70 meters. Oyster settlements can stretch along the shore for a distance of 300-400 meters. The uncontrolled fishing of these mollusks for many centuries led to the fact that already in the middle of the 19th century the question arose about regulating the collection of oysters and their artificial breeding (by the way, the ancient Romans knew how to artificially grow oysters). Today, the leaders in oyster farming are Japan, the USA, and France, where oysters are called “the pearls of French cuisine.”
Application
This seafood delicacy was used as food several thousand years ago. Typically, oysters are consumed live and raw, served on crushed ice and sprinkled with lemon juice. In order to open the shell shells, a special oyster knife is used - with a short blade and a pointed end, with a guard on the handle that protects your hands from the sharp edges of the shell. However, in restaurants, as a rule, in order to avoid absurd situations and incidents, oysters are served already opened and with a special two-pronged oyster fork.
You can also season the clam with black pepper, or dip it in vinegar sauce with shallots. In addition, dry white wine is served with oysters. There are about a hundred recipes for dishes with oysters, because they can be boiled, fried, baked, deep-fried and battered. Today you can buy fresh oysters all year round, but gourmets believe that these shellfish taste better in autumn and winter. Thawed oysters after thawing and floating in liquid are cooked immediately; they cannot be frozen a second time.
Composition and properties
Oyster meat contains very little fat, but a lot of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins B1, B2 and PP, A, D and minerals, including iron, copper, calcium, iodine, phosphorus. Unique chemical composition shellfish has a tonic effect on the nervous system. 
Contraindications
It is not recommended to eat oysters if you have diseases of the spleen, stomach and intestines. You should also avoid eating raw oysters during pregnancy and lactation.
Interesting fact
It is believed that oysters enhance sexual energy, so it is not surprising that Casanova, the famous hero-lover (18th century), ate 50 oysters for breakfast. Already in our time, American scientists have found that oysters are rich in rare amino acids, which contribute to the production of a large number of sex hormones.
How long to cook oysters?
Oysters are eaten raw, but you can also boil them for one minute.
Calories and nutritional value
Calorie content of oysters is 72 kcal.
Nutritional value: proteins - 9 g, fats - 2 g, carbohydrates - 4.5 g.
Baked oysters
For two people:. 12 large oysters
. 1 shallot
. dry white wine
. cheese to taste
. breadcrumbs.
Open the oysters, drain the water and trim the muscle. Finely chop the shallots and place among the shells. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Drizzle with white wine. The contents of the shells should be moist, but not wet. Sprinkle lightly with grated cheese.
Place the oysters in the oven at 200°C for 10 minutes, then turn on the grill and wait until the cheese melts and lightly browns. Serve hot.
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M ideas(Mytilus) - marine bivalve mollusks. The shell of mussels is wedge-oval in shape, smooth (up to 20 cm long), the color is yellowish-green, golden brown and purple, the inside surface is pearlescent. Mussels live in continuous settlements on coastal rocks, feeding on small planktonic animals. These mollusks are very prolific: one female during spawning throws from 5 to 20 million eggs into the water, from which larvae appear within a day.
Mussels easily tolerate fluctuations in salinity and water temperature. They have firmly established the status of active filter feeders. By passing sea water through themselves, mussels cleanse it of pollution, but at the same time, alas, they accumulate various toxins, although without any harm to themselves. Different kinds Mussels vary in shape, size and lifespan. For example, the Black Sea mussel lives 5-6 years, the northern mussel 10-12, the Pacific mussel - 30. There are known cases of the formation of pearls in mussels.
Spreading
Mussels live in temperate and tropical waters of the World Ocean, and are especially widespread in the waters of the Northern Hemisphere. In Russia, mussels are harvested from the Black Sea and Far East. In addition, mussels are not only caught in their usual habitats, but also artificially bred, for example, in Belgium, Japan, France, and Irish sailors were the first to learn how to “grow” them back in the 13th century.
Application
For culinary purposes, only tightly closed mussels without damaged shells are used. If, after heat treatment, the shells of the mollusk do not open, it is better to throw it away. They eat the muscle (meat part), the mantle and the liquid that is in the shell. Mussel meat is light, tender and soft, and has a sweetish taste. It is boiled (at the same time it emits a pleasant aroma), stewed in various sauces (butter, garlic, tomato, etc.), and also fried (including in batter), smoked, pickled and salted.
Mussels go well with potatoes, cereals, pasta, vegetables, mayonnaise. They are used to make soup, stew, pilaf, pasta, soufflé, and salads. One of the popular ways to prepare mussels is considered to be a la mariniere (sailor style) - with wine, garlic and lemon. When using mussels, you need to remember one important rule: the finished dish must be eaten immediately, it cannot be stored, much less reheated, otherwise you can get poisoned. Restaurateurs recommend using sea salt to cook mussels. 
Composition and properties
Mussels are superior to beef and fish in terms of protein. They contain a lot of mineral salts, B vitamins, vitamin D and E, as well as phosphorus and iron. The meat of these mollusks is distinguished by its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In addition, due to the large amount of zinc, some experts consider mussels a natural analogue of Viagra. Mussel meat also improves metabolism and strengthens the immune system; it is even recommended for a number of blood diseases.
Contraindications
Mussel meat can cause allergies. In addition, it is not recommended for use if there is a bleeding disorder.
Interesting fact
In the Belgian village of Jerseke, where the world's only "mussel exchange" is located, Mussel Day (Mosseldag) is held annually at the end of August. On this holiday, there are not enough seats in local restaurants, so mass “eating” of mussels is held on the pier at long tables under awnings.
How long to cook mussels?
Place fresh mussels in boiling water and cook for 5-7 minutes until the shells open. Cook frozen mussels for 7-10 minutes.
Calorie content and nutritional value of mussels
Calorie content - 77 kcal.
Nutritional value: proteins – 11.5 g, fats – 2 g, carbohydrates – 3.3 g.
Mussels in creamy sauce
Frozen mussels on one flap - 200 gCream 33% - 100 ml
Cheese - 30 g
Leek - 15 g
White semi-dry wine - 70 ml
Garlic - 1 tooth.
1. Defrost the mussels, clean the outside of the shell with a knife and check the inside of the mussel meat with your finger for the presence of foreign objects.
2. Pour oil into a hot frying pan, add onion and coarsely chopped garlic.
3. Stir for a minute and add the mussels, place the mussels with the shells up (meat side down).
4. Add wine, simmer for a minute.
5. Chop the cheese with a knife and add to the mussels. Knead it thoroughly with a spatula and pour in the cream.
6. As soon as the mass begins to thicken, remove from heat.
In a saucepan in the ratio of 2 kg of mussels to 0.5 tbsp of water and cover...or just put on a double boiler for 10-15 minutes, they will open...
We carefully transfer the mussels to a plate, and then pour the sauce into each one. Bon appetit!
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Clam caviar
Black and red caviar have firmly secured their positions among the favorite delicacies around the world. But gourmets always want something more, and today, along with these types of caviar, shellfish caviar is popular. It is served in many restaurants around the world as a luxurious snack or complements exotic dishes.
Types and methods of preparation
Shellfish caviar includes the caviar of sea urchins, cuttlefish, grape snails and some other animals. The most valuable is the caviar of cuttlefish and grape snail. Grape snails lay several eggs twice a year with a total weight of 3 grams. They have eggs white, quite large, reminiscent of black caviar in taste, but completely without the taste of fish and with a subtle smell.
Many snacks are prepared from snail caviar. It is served with crispy toast and various spices. Snail caviar in sour cream has a special taste. It goes well with pancakes. Snail caviar can be served with beetroot and cream sauce. To do this, mix beet juice, cream, lemon juice and vinegar. A very beautiful and original appetizer - eggs stuffed with snail caviar. To do this, eggs are crushed with onions and butter and the eggshell is filled with this mixture. The top of the appetizer is decorated with caviar.
Snail caviar is also used as a decoration in soups. For example, you can cook mushroom soup with beans and celery and add a spoonful of caviar to it. Snail caviar is very expensive, and an appetizer with caviar and black truffles is close to jewelry in price.
Sea urchins have very small and almost colorless eggs. This caviar is practically not processed and is served lightly salted with film.
Flying fish eggs are small, elastic and colorless. Therefore, it is very often painted in bright colors: in green, bright yellow, purple. It is especially popular in Japanese cuisine: it is one of the main ingredients when preparing sushi and rolls. It crunches pleasantly on the teeth, has a delicate flavor and decorates the dish.
As for cuttlefish caviar, when raw and fresh it does not have a very pleasant smell. To get rid of this smell, the caviar is first pickled and then boiled several times. In China, cuttlefish caviar is used mainly for preparing broth: in addition to caviar, rice vodka, soy sauce, egg, ginger infusion, vinegar, sesame oil and spices are added to it. It turns out to be quite a tasty and aromatic dish.
Beneficial features
Shellfish caviar has great biological value. More than 36 macro- and microelements were found in it - this is 10 times higher than in fish. Among them are copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium, potassium. It contains vitamins A, D, E, C and a large number of B vitamins. A balanced vitamin-mineral complex improves the functions of the cardiovascular system, thyroid and sex glands, and increases the activity of the whole body.
Interesting Facts
Any caviar is a strong aphrodisiac. In the East there is ancient custom: Before the wedding night, feed the newlyweds caviar to increase the strength of the groom and the feelings of the bride. The rich composition of minerals in this product helps to quickly restore strength and increase the sexual performance of men and women.
Raw cuttlefish roe is similar to grapes and has several bad smell, which disappears as a result of cooking.
The calorie content of caviar is 100 kcal.
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Shellfish can be prepared in different ways. Oyster fries are very popular. To prepare them, the shellfish is removed from the shell, dipped in a spicy marinade, then in batter, and then fried in vegetable oil. You can also fry shellfish on skewers, wrapped in small slices of bacon. They can also be baked in shells with various sauces or used as an ingredient in salads. If we cook at home, then we can serve oysters with bread toast and butter, eggplant caviar and spinach leaves.
The shellfish can be seasoned with freshly ground pepper, dipped in vinegar sauce, or dressed with shallots or lemon juice. You can also eat them with hot boiled potatoes and black caviar, although this combination loses the delicate taste of oysters. Americans eat boiled shellfish with ketchup and cheese. Traditional drinks served with shellfish dishes in the best restaurants are champagne and white wines such as Meursault. 
Molluscum contagiosum is called viral disease, characterized by the appearance of typical nodular rashes on the skin and mucous membranes. This infection is quite widespread, especially often affecting children, adolescents and people with immunodeficiency conditions.
Is molluscum contagiosum contagious?
The disease is caused by a large DNA virus of the Poxviridae family, similar in structure to the smallpox virus. It affects only humans, so the disease is classified as anthroponotic. Currently, there are 4 types of pathogens known; the symptoms they cause are practically indistinguishable from each other.
Since molluscum contagiosum is most often transmitted by contact and by everyday means, it can lead to outbreaks in children's groups and damage to family members. The virus is transmitted through direct contact with a sick person, as well as through contaminated household items, clothing, water in a pool or natural reservoirs, and toys. In the environment, the virus is quite stable and can persist in the dust of residential premises and gyms, infecting more and more people. In adults, the disease can occur after tattooing if the pathogen remains on the instruments used by the artist.
Penetration of the pathogen occurs through microdamage to the skin. Therefore, the risk of infection increases in the presence of dermatological diseases with itching, dryness or weeping of the skin, and disruption of the integrity of the epidermis. Women have a virus molluscum contagiosum often penetrates through the mucous membrane of the genital organs and the skin of the perineum. Moreover, to transmit the infection from a partner, sexual intercourse itself is not required; only contact with the affected skin areas is necessary. Therefore, although infection with molluscum contagiosum in adults is often associated with sexual contact, it is incorrect to classify it as a true STD.
How the disease develops
Immediately after infection, a person does not notice any symptoms. The incubation period (the time before the onset of the first manifestations of the disease) lasts from 2 weeks to 4-6 months, so it can be difficult to determine the source of infection, time and place of infection.
The virus invades skin cells, inserting its genetic material into their DNA and causing them to reproduce new viral particles. The cells enlarge and become spherical. Hypertrophied bottom layer The epidermis begins to penetrate deeper, growing into the dermis. At the same time, the multiplying infected cells move the papillary layer upward. All this leads to the appearance of characteristic nodular (papular) rashes on the skin. Inside each nodule, a cavity is formed in which there is a waxy mass with altered epithelial cells, lymphocytes and new viral particles.
Molluscum contagiosum spreads in the skin tissue and spreads to other parts of the body, getting under the nails when scratching or squeezing out the nodules. This process is called autoinoculation. If at least one element of the rash is left during treatment, new nodules may soon appear again around it or in other parts of the body. The virus does not penetrate beyond the skin, so damage to internal organs is not typical.
Often, after a few months, the nodules of molluscum contagiosum disappear on their own. But this does not mean that a cure has occurred; the virus has only passed into an inactive, dormant form. And a decrease in immunity can provoke a new outbreak of the disease. This happens in pregnant women after undergoing infectious diseases and when exposed to other provoking factors. With weakened local and general immunity, new nodules quickly appear; they can merge with each other and cover almost the entire surface of the skin. Although general health does not suffer, with such a massive lesion, treatment at home and using methods traditional medicine undesirable.
Manifestations of the disease
The main symptoms of molluscum contagiosum are the appearance on the skin and mucous membranes of rounded nodules with a central umbilical depression. When they are squeezed, a whitish crumbly mass is released. If there is no secondary bacterial infection, there are no signs of dermatitis in the area of the rash, the skin has a normal color and structure. Even with massive damage, general intoxication and fever do not occur, and signs of damage to internal organs are not typical.
Nodules with molluscum contagiosum are dense, painless, protruding, with a slightly shiny surface. They practically do not differ from the color of the rest of the skin or have a red-orange tint. The skin around them is not changed, and there are no seals under the nodules. Itching is not typical, although it is not excluded. But it usually does not cause significant anxiety to the patient and does not disturb sleep. When scratching, skin tissue may become infected, which will be accompanied by the appearance of swelling, redness, weeping crusts or the formation of ulcers.
Foci of infection most often appear on the face, near the ears, on the neck, in the armpits, near the genitals, on inner surface hips They can be found on any surface of the body except the palms and feet. When the virus gets into the eyes, chronic conjunctivitis occurs.
Forms of the disease
If manifestations of the disease are found in only one anatomical area, they speak of a simple form of molluscum contagiosum. When the nodules spread to several areas of the body, a generalized form is diagnosed. By type of rash there are:
- complicated molluscum contagiosum, accompanied by secondary infection;
- giant, when the size of the nodules reaches 2 cm in diameter;
- miliary with small multiple papules;
- pedicular form, considered atypical, when the nodules are located on the stalk.
Generalization of infection indicates a low reactivity of the defense forces, which occurs with immunodeficiencies of various origins.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum is based on the characteristic appearance of the elements of the rash and microscopy of the discharge. The key sign is the detection of altered enlarged round epithelial cells, in the protoplasm of which characteristic ovoid formations (Lipschütz molluscan bodies) are visible.
It is necessary to differentiate the disease from rashes due to syphilis, various forms, genital warts, plural form keratoacanthomas. When the nodules merge, epithelioma, lichen planus, and verrucous dyskeratoma are excluded. If the rash is located in the armpits - syringoma.
How to treat molluscum contagiosum
Systemic therapy is not required for this disease, since the virus does not multiply outside the skin. Treatment of molluscum contagiosum in adults and children is carried out on an outpatient basis and includes removal of foci of infection and local application of drugs. Only in severe immunodeficiency conditions can a decision be made on the intravenous use of certain antiviral drugs.
You cannot squeeze out the nodules yourself, as if their infected contents come into contact with the skin, re-infection will occur and further spread of the virus. In addition, the injured area of skin becomes easily inflamed.
Removal of molluscum contagiosum papules can be done in several ways; currently the following are used for treatment:
- mechanical method using curettage or plucking with surgical tweezers;
- cryodestruction - removal of molluscum contagiosum with liquid nitrogen, causing cold tissue necrosis;
- laser removal of molluscum contagiosum;
- radio wave method
- cauterization with cantharidin.
To completely eliminate elements of the rash on all parts of the body, several approaches are usually required at intervals of a month, since newly emerging papules must also be removed. In this case, a combination is possible different ways effects, depending on the location of the nodules and the sensitivity of the skin. To disinfect and reduce the spread of infection, UV irradiation is additionally used.
In children, to reduce discomfort, procedures are carried out under local anesthesia, it is also necessary when removing formations on the mucous membrane of the female genitalia and on the penis in men.
Drug treatment of molluscum contagiosum involves applying agents with antiviral activity to the site of the rash. Acyclovir, Tebrofen ointment, Topical cidofovir, Oxolinic ointment, interferons are used. Iodine is used to treat wounds after removing papules, alcohol solution chlorophyllipt, a strong solution of potassium permanganate.
Molluscum contagiosum during pregnancy
During pregnancy, against the background of a natural decrease in immunity, activation of an existing infection or a fresh infection with molluscum contagiosum may occur. The clinical picture has no peculiarities. The molluscum contagiosum virus does not pose a danger to the fetus, but during childbirth and subsequent contact with the mother's skin, the child can become infected.
Treatment must be carried out immediately after detection of the disease, taking into account contraindications for some procedures. Shortly before birth, a repeat examination is carried out even in the absence of complaints. This is necessary to identify possible recurrent rashes on the genitals and areas of the skin that are inaccessible for self-examination.
Prognosis and prevention
Self-healing is possible, but with the spontaneous disappearance of external manifestations, the transition of the virus to a low-active stage and its reactivation with a decrease in immunity cannot be ruled out. Complex treatment allows you to get rid of the disease, but does not prevent re-infection, because immunity is not developed during this infection.
After proper removal of the nodules or their spontaneous regression, the skin becomes clear. If the deep dermal layers are not damaged, scars will not form. But with the development of molluscum contagiosum against the background of some other dermatological diseases, healing can occur with scarring.
For prevention, it is necessary to eliminate the main cause of molluscum contagiosum – contact with the virus. To do this, you must follow the rules of personal hygiene, do not use other people’s washcloths and towels, and wear shoes in public baths and swimming pools. If a child becomes infected, his toys must be sanitized daily, bedding and clothing must be washed daily, and the bathtub and sink must be disinfected after use by the child.
Molluscum contagiosum is an unpleasant but not dangerous disease. Before treating this infection, it is necessary to consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and select therapy.
Anna Mironova
Reading time: 7 minutes
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The virus, nicknamed in medicine as molluscum contagiosum, is not familiar to many, but for those who do “encounter” it, it is a very unpleasant problem that requires treatment. Comparisons of this virus with smallpox often emerge.
What is it, how can you recognize it, and can you cure it yourself?
Causes of molluscum contagiosum - ways of infection in children and adults
In total, 4 types of this virus are known in medicine, the most common of which are the 1st and 2nd (note: MCV1 and MCV2). Moreover, adults are predominantly “acquainted” with this disease, and sexual intercourse becomes the main route of transmission.
It is worth noting that the virus can live in household dust for quite a long time, as a result of which epidemics occur in groups (note: schools and kindergartens).
Where does molluscum contagiosum come from - find out the reasons
With reduced immunity and the concomitant influence of various negative factors activation of the virus, called “molluscum contagiosum”, occurs quite quickly:
- In adults– mainly through sexual intercourse (usually as a result of promiscuity). That is, the place where the virus is localized is the genitals. In addition, there is possible damage to the surface of the thighs, as well as the lower abdomen. Or through everyday use.
- In children- by everyday means. Therefore, the future location of the virus cannot be determined. But most often the virus is localized on the face.
Most often, the disease begins to develop when when the body is very weakened after a certain illness, as well as against the background of HIV infection.
The formation of a mollusk is carried out in epidermal cells(that is, in the superficial layers of the skin). As the virus develops, it becomes more visible and tangible.
The skin disease molluscum, as we noted above, is sexually transmitted in adults. Unfortunately, modern medicine cannot yet completely cope with the virus and completely rid the infected person of the disease.
It is only possible to create conditions under which the virus will not create relapses and cause discomfort and deterioration in general health.
Symptoms of molluscum on the skin - how to distinguish molluscum from other diseases?
The incubation period of this virus is about 2 weeks and up to 3-4 months.
The location of localization, as we found out above, depends directly on the route of infection.
How to recognize molluscum contagiosum and distinguish it from another disease?
Main signs of the virus:
- Externally, the manifestation of the virus resembles raised hemispherical nodules with a granular mass inside.
- The color of the nodules is slightly pinker than normal skin color with an orange tint and a “pearl” top.
- In the center of the hemisphere of the nodule there is a small depression (reminiscent of a “navel”).
- The diameter of the 1st nodule (approx. 3-6 weeks after infection) is 1-10 mm.
- The area of the neoplasms (when they merge) is usually about 2-3 cm.
- The nodules spread one by one or in a group.
- When you squeeze the nodule, you can see a cheesy plug (the discharge is similar to that of ordinary acne).
- Sometimes there is an itching sensation in areas with nodules, but in general the virus does not manifest itself in specific sensations.
Is molluscum contagiosum dangerous?
According to research, the disease does not have any specific consequences, and is quite capable of going away on its own (although this can take a lot of time - from 6 months to 4 years).
But it’s still worth contacting a specialist. Why?
- The virus can easily be confused with another disease, which can be very serious and dangerous (in particular, chickenpox and syphilis).
- The appearance of symptoms of the virus indicates a sharp weakening immune system. Which, again, may be a consequence of some disease or infection.
- The virus (more precisely, its certain forms) can occur simultaneously with AIDS.
- A skin tumor may be hidden under the virus (note: oncology).
Diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum
Usually, the doctor (dermato-venereologist) does not experience any difficulties when making a diagnosis.
Diagnostics includes analysis clinical picture, complaints and, of course, histological examination. When the presence of a virus (mollusc bodies) is detected in the cytoplasm of cells, a decision is made on the necessary treatment.
Also carry out differential diagnosis to exclude diseases such as epithelioma or lichen planus, and keratoacanthoma.
There are 3 stages of virus development:
- Stage 1 - typical development : the presence of a small number of nodules located close to each other on a specific area of skin.
- Stage 2 – generalized development : increase in the number of nodules, spreading to other areas of the skin.
- Stage 3 – complicated development : presence of pathogenic microorganisms, the appearance of redness around the nodules, discharge of pus, discomfort.
Treatment of molluscum contagiosum - is it possible to treat or remove molluscum contagiosum on the skin at home?
Today, one of the most effective and popular methods of combating this disease is removal of affected areas. Its main advantage is the further non-spread of the virus throughout the body.
As for traditional medicine and self-medication, it is categorically not recommended for the reason that you can miss another, more serious illness. Therefore, visiting a specialist is strongly recommended.
You should also not try to remove (squeeze, cauterize, etc.) the nodules yourself due to the highly infectious contents.
How to treat?
It is not yet possible to completely remove this virus (note: medicine has not yet reached this disease), but it is quite possible to create conditions under which the virus will not bother a person and manifest itself in the form of relapses.
If there is no pain, experts recommend taking medications to enhance immunity and a special diet.
In other cases, the following methods are used to combat the virus (depending on its manifestations and stage):
- Treatment with immunomodulators and special antiviral ointments.
- Mechanical extrusion and further processing iodine
- Diathermocoagulation method (note: electric cauterization).
- Treatment with antibiotics (note: from the tetracycline series).
- Cauterization with laser.
- Removal using dry ice or liquid nitrogen.
Treatment of the virus in children
In children, unlike adults, the disease goes away on its own only in very rare cases, so contacting a dermatovenerologist at the slightest suspicion of a virus is mandatory (a visit to the doctor is required in any case).
Conventional treatment involves removal of nodules with the use of anesthetics and subsequent administration of antiviral agents with mandatory treatment of the affected areas with special ointments.
Of course, it is important hygiene in the apartment after removing nodules: washing bedding, linen and clothes, washing toys, etc.
In addition, you will have to limit contact with other children until recovery.
Treatment of the virus in expectant mothers
In this case incubation period becomes much shorter, and manifestations of the virus become visible in less than a month.
Does the virus affect the process of baby formation in the womb?
Experts think not. But regardless of the compatibility of the virus and the pregnancy of the baby, there is a further risk of infection of the baby through breast milk. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the virus, and it is allowed to do this at any trimester.
The website warns: the information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not self-medicate under any circumstances! If you have any health problems, consult your doctor!
The first thing anyone who gets lost in the wilderness needs to focus on is finding a river. Where there is a river, there are people. But the devil knows how quickly you will get to them - by then everything could easily end food supplies. Fortunately, the river can help here too. , a constant source of fresh water - all this significantly eases the problem of survival. But let’s assume that fishing doesn’t work out, and the small ones that we managed to get are for good nutrition lacks. What to do? You will have to resort to a method that is a little unusual for a resident of the middle zone - collecting edible shellfish.
Edible shellfish
Here we must warn you right away - yes, almost everything freshwater molluscs and snails that are found in Russia are edible. But no, they should never be eaten raw. The fact is that such dangerous helminths as liver fluke, schistosome And opisthorchis feline. Catching severe helminthiasis is still a pleasure. Fortunately, thorough boiling completely kills these reptiles, since in their intermediate host they exist in an insufficiently protected form. Roasting over a fire is also suitable. And it is extremely difficult to imagine conditions in which someone lost in the wild would not have the opportunity to make a fire. But in general, if you have an alternative, then it is better not to risk it and not eat pond snails. On the other hand, if the main task is to maintain strength, then you need to focus on it - if you do not survive, then the helminths, in principle, will not bother you. It's all about setting priorities, in a word - decide for yourself. And we will return to our snails and shells.
As you know, all mollusks are divided into gastropods, bivalves, cephalopods and all sorts of other little things. In this case, we are not interested in cephalopods - they are exclusively inhabitants of depths of the sea, although quite tasty. So let's focus our attention on the other two classes. So, gastropods...
Snails
Grape snail
Found almost everywhere in warm regions. Active from the beginning of spring until the onset of cold weather. Lives in damp undergrowth, bushes, and dense grass. In the fall, it burrows into the ground, where it goes into suspended animation. The shell is small, light brown, ribbed, twisted to the right and in various planes. This particular individual is grown on special snail farms in France. You can cook it however you like - there are a huge number of different recipes, some of which are considered a delicacy.
garden snail
Latin name - HELIX ASPERSA. Very similar to grape, but smaller in size and slightly darker. It tolerates cold conditions better, so it is found much more often in Russia. It is inferior in taste to the grape snail, but still quite tasty. The cooking methods are the same.
Prudovik
If all the above-mentioned snails are found mainly on land, then this one is exclusively aquatic. As already mentioned, it is intermediate host for various helminths, so it is better not to eat it. It differs from its relatives in its dark, pointed shell and slightly larger size. So it is presented here solely so that it is not confused with its edible and tasty counterparts.
Freshwater mussels
Now let's move on to the bivalve ones. With them everything is much simpler, but at the same time more complicated. The fact is that for its own sake long life Such mollusks filter out all sorts of rubbish from the water. Filter and accumulate. Well, like mushrooms, only shellfish. So here it is. It is for this reason that you need to carefully select those that can be used for food. The shell should be smooth, not overgrown with any silt and algae, because a healthy bivalve mollusk moves very quickly along the bottom. Also, when you tap on the shell, it should compress more strongly - this is also an indicator of health. But, in principle, all such mollusks that are found in Russia and neighboring countries are edible. The main thing is to fry or boil it properly. We are most interested in two types - toothless And pearl barley.
Toothless
It can be found in stagnant bodies of water with a muddy bottom - lakes, ponds, river bays. It is much less common in running water. The shell is round and slightly flattened. There are no locking teeth on the edges of the doors, so opening it is very easy. The pearlescent inner layer is weakly expressed. Before cooking, it must be thoroughly washed, because the mollusk lives in silty waters and feeds by filtering this very silt. You can boil, fry, bake.
Perlovitsa
It is found mainly in cool running water. It got its name from the mother-of-pearl that covers the inside of its shell shells. In addition, there are small teeth on the edge of the shell that promote a tighter seal. The shell is slightly elongated, oval in shape. Color - from light brown to dirty brown. Due to the deterioration environmental situation It is becoming less and less common, but it is not listed in the Red Book, so it can be eaten. There are several options - simply throw them in boiling water and cook until they open, cut the closing muscle, take out the contents and do with it what you want, put the shells near the fire and also wait for them to open. You can boil, fry, stew - in a word, whatever your heart desires.
There are a large number of other edible and tasty shellfish, but they live in salt water. Therefore, we will talk about them next time. Just remember that no matter where you go, food can be found everywhere and always. And if there is food, then you will have the strength to wait for help or find it yourself.
Mollusks are found almost everywhere on Earth - in sea and fresh waters, on land, in the oceans - to maximum depths, in the mountains - to the line eternal snow. No shellfish only in sandy deserts. Now on globe There are at least 130 thousand species of mollusks, and the largest number of species live in the tropics. Mollusks are divided into seven classes: gastropods, monoplacophorans, testapods, groove-bellied, bivalves, spadepods and cephalopods.
Mollusks are surprisingly different and appearance, and by way of life. Sedentary pearl barley and fast-moving squid, small fragile amberfish and giant octopuses - all these are representatives of mollusks.
Most mollusks have in common the presence of an external shell, built from calcium carbonate and protein matter. The shell consists of three layers: organic, porcelain and mother-of-pearl. A thin organic layer protects it from exposure to water, while the porcelain-like layer takes on the main mechanical load.
On the one hand, the shell quite reliably protects the mollusk’s body from predators and water loss, on the other hand, it restrains their evolution. The shell mollusk reacts to all stimuli in the same way - it is drawn into the shell. He doesn’t have to think about what to do when irritated. of different nature, - there is only one reaction. Since there is no need to think, it means there is no need to improve the nervous system, complex behavioral reactions are not needed. Once upon a time, the shell “created” mollusks, and later it began to slow down their development. Therefore, it is not surprising that among modern mollusks we can observe all stages of shell disappearance - from snails with a well-developed shell to slugs, in which the remains of the shell are preserved in the form of a plate lying in the thickness of the mantle. Slugs have a more complex brain structure, and their behavior is more varied than that of shell snails.
The shell can consist of one piece (classes monoplacophorans and gastropods, or snails), of two more or less identical valves (class bivalves, or shells), of eight separate plates (class of armored shells).
The body of the mollusk is covered with a special fold of skin - the mantle. The space between the mantle and the body is called the mantle cavity.
The body shape of mollusks is determined by the shape of the shell, and it is different for different classes of mollusks. So it is impossible to derive a single body structure diagram for all mollusks. They have the following body parts: head, leg and torso. But bivalves do not have a head, and cephalopods do not have legs, instead they have tentacles.
The shell and body of most gastropods are twisted into a spiral. In bivalves, the shell consists of two valves that can open and close. Some mollusks do not have an external shell at all, such as slugs, pests of our gardens. Instead of a shell, they have a thin calcareous plate covered with a mantle.
The mantle cavity of mollusks contains gills and some sensory organs, and the openings of the kidneys, hindgut and reproductive apparatus open into it. Mollusks are the first animal representatives to develop a liver.
The substance for the construction of the shell is secreted by special cells of the mantle. As the mantle grows, the size of the shell also increases. Water constantly circulates in the mantle cavity of the mollusks and washes the gills, bringing them oxygen. To create a continuous flow of water in the mantle cavity there are two more holes: inlet and outlet siphons. Fresh water enters the cavity through the inlet siphon, and waste water is discharged through the outlet siphon.
Mollusks have another important feature - they all have a peculiar organ called the radula, or grater. The radula is located in the mouth of a mollusk and is, figuratively speaking, a combination of tongue and teeth: at the bottom oral cavity there is a kind of cartilage on which there are rows of teeth of various shapes for grinding food. Herbivorous mollusks have radula teeth for the most part small, the teeth of predators are larger, often shaped like a hook or a dagger. Some sea snails have a channel inside their teeth through which poison flows from a special poisonous gland.
Those who are interested in aquariums appreciate ampullaria snails (they belong to the class of gastropods) for their ability to clean algae from glass with a grater.
Mollusks breathe either oxygen dissolved in water, using one or two gills, or air, using a single lung. The so-called primordial mollusks, whose ancestors never left the water, breathe through their gills. When animals move to land, the gill disappears and is replaced by a lung located in the mantle cavity. But life does not stand still, and some mollusks leave the land again.
Mollusks have long served humans not only as food and as a means of decoration. In Oceania, Africa and America, mollusk shells were even used as money. Aborigines of the islands Pacific Ocean They make multi-meter cords from nass snail shells strung on them. In Africa, even in the 20th century. “Cowrie” money made from the shells of cypra snails was also common. IN North America Abalone shells were used as money, and the Indians embroidered their leather wampum belts with pieces of bussicon snail shells. These were not simple belts - among the Indians they served as documents.
Bivalves
Shellfish
The class of armored mollusks, or chitons, is a purely marine group. These sedentary animals live at different depths, including in the coastal tidal zone. Chitons are easily recognized by their shell, which consists of eight plates. For example, tonicella. By the nature of their feeding, chitons are grazing animals: they crawl slowly, scraping algal deposits from stones with the powerful teeth of the radula.
Class monoplacophora
This amazing group can fully be called living fossils. Paleontologists found fossilized remains of monoplacophorans back in the 19th century. And in 1952, off the western coast of Mexico, in the ocean, at a depth of 3590 m, the first living representative of this class, neopilina, was discovered.
Gastropods
Slugs
Among the mollusks there are also unpleasant creatures - slugs, pests of gardens and vegetable gardens. If you look at a slug, you will not see its usual shell. And it’s not that slugs don’t have it, it’s just that it has been reduced (shrinked) into a small plate that is covered by the mantle.
There are several types of slugs living in our country, they are all similar to each other, and only one stands out among them - the large garden slug. It is variegatedly colored (black spots scattered across the gray background) and reaches an impressive length of 15 cm.
All slugs without exception - malicious pests cultivated plants. During the day they sit out in some inconspicuous damp place, and at dusk they go to the garden bed to eat, where they eat not only tender greens, but also top part root vegetables They especially love delicious berries - strawberries and wild strawberries.
But slugs themselves are not very attractive to anyone as food. Only toads and hedgehogs are not averse to eating them, and other animals are scared off by the unpleasant mucus that covers their body.
Nudibranchs are amazing representatives of the gastropod class. Firstly, they do not have a shell at all, which is characteristic of all mollusks. Secondly, they lack a mantle cavity. Third, their gills are different from those of snails: they are extensions of the body and can be located around the anus or in rows throughout the body. The lobes of the liver enter these outgrowths of the body. Fourth, some nudibranchs feed on coelenterate mollusks, such as poisonous polyps. Nudibranchs are not afraid of the stinging cells of polyps - the trick is that they eat them, but do not digest them. These cells accumulate in the very lobes of the liver and serve as weapons and protection for nudibranchs.
Cephalopods
Cephalopods have the largest brains among mollusks, they have quick reactions and good memory. Cephalopods include octopuses, squids and cuttlefish. Unlike other mollusks, cephalopods have tentacles with suction cups that serve them instead of hands. Cephalopods surpassed everyone in their originality! They are not only the largest of the mollusks, but also the most complex. You probably have a good idea of the appearance of squids and octopuses. These mollusks do not have a shell, their soft body “absorbed” it, and all that was left of the shell was a thin cartilaginous plate - the gladius.
In the structure of these mollusks, the head and tentacles, also known as legs, stand out - it’s not for nothing that they were called cephalopods. With the help of such legs, cephalopods can perform rather subtle manipulations (so it turns out that these are “legs”). Squids have ten, octopuses have eight tentacles, covered with two rows of suckers. But the first thing you notice is not even the numerous tentacles, but the expressive eyes of the cephalopod. The eyes of octopuses, for example, are very similar to humans: they not only see well, but are even capable of accommodation (focusing at different distances).
The octopus also has eyelids, but they close in a completely different way than in humans: the orbicularis muscle closes the eyeball from all sides.
In addition to vision, octopuses have well-developed senses of touch and smell. In their travels along the seabed, octopuses rely mainly on their sense of smell - their eyes muddy water may let you down. But these animals do not hear very well: it is believed that they react only to very loud sounds.
Octopuses are excellent hunters: in addition to eight strong tentacles, they have another weapon - horny jaws, reminiscent of the beak of a bird of prey. The bite of an octopus is poisonous, its poison is neurotoxic, that is, it affects the nervous system of victims (fish, crabs, shrimp), causing paralysis. It is also dangerous for humans.
Another one interesting feature cephalopods - " jet engine" Near the neck they have a wide funnel - a siphon, emerging from the mantle cavity. Having collected water into the cavity, the mollusk forcefully throws it out of the siphon, moving forward. Octopuses thus move in fairly fast jerks, and squids, with their streamlined bodies, rush like rockets. There is only one inconvenience: the siphon is directed towards the tentacles, and therefore the cephalopods have to swim backwards. This, by the way, is where the opinion came from that cuttlefish (they are also cephalopods) always “back away like that.” Actually in calm state cuttlefish swim head first, like all other animals.
Squids most of the time swim slowly head first, helping themselves with their fins. During hunting, when high speed is necessary, they use jet thrust. This method of movement requires a lot of energy, so animals cannot use it constantly.
The ancestors of cephalopods - octopuses, squids and their relatives - are ancient, long-extinct mollusks, ammonites and belemnites.
Ammonites looked like coil snails - they had the same shell, twisted into a flat spiral. But the sizes of these shells, and therefore the mollusks themselves, were very different - from very small, a couple of centimeters in diameter, to incredibly huge three-meter ones. Ammonites reigned serenely in the ancient seas 400 million years ago.
A little later, belemnites appeared, their appearance more reminiscent of modern squids. To this day, people find small pointed fossilized shells of these mollusks, which are called “ damn fingers" The shell of belemnite, like that of ammonite, was divided into chambers and served as a kind of float.
But no less ancient cephalopods - nautiluses - have survived to this day. They have practically not changed over millions of years, their current appearance is almost the same as it was in ancient times.
The Nautilus can descend to such depths where a strong steel tube would be flattened if it could not withstand the enormous pressure of water, but it does! Its secret is not at all in the strength of the sink, but in the air pressure in its chambers, which “balances” the external water pressure.
Almost a hundred tentacle arms (males, however, have fewer of them), devoid of suction cups, peek out from the twisted shell of the nautilus.
Argonauts are the closest relatives of nautiluses. Their shell is very thin, slightly curled. Argonauts are notable for the fact that their males are 20 times smaller than their females! In addition, they reproduce in an amazing way. When the time comes to have offspring, one tentacle of the male breaks off and, taking with it the reproductive products (i.e., male reproductive cells), goes in search of a female. This is where the expression “offer your hand” takes on a literal meaning! The male Argonaut is in no hurry to go on a long journey - the “smart” limb will do everything itself.
Relatives of the octopus are squid no less amazing creatures. Outwardly, they are somewhat different from their counterparts: their body is narrower, there are ten tentacles instead of eight, and an additional pair (these two tentacles are called “arms”) are longer than the rest. The “arms” end in a kind of extension with suction cups and hooks and are used for hunting. When a squid moves quickly, all its tentacles fold into one bundle - like a steering wheel, the mollusk changes the direction of movement. If there is no need to rush anywhere, then it swims with the help of fins, and can also be helped by a stream of water ejected from under the mantle.
Squids are able to develop such speed that they jump out of the water, rush through the air and dive back into the water. For example, the squid Stenoteuthis uses a similar method of movement to escape from a school of voracious tuna.
The eyes of squids are interesting. In some species they different sizes- one is larger than the other. Little eye helps to navigate near the surface of the water, where it is light, and the large one is able to capture the weakest light in the dark depths of the waters.
Body deep sea squid very often decorated with a pattern of luminous dots or spots. They are called photophores. Each photophore has a hemispherical shape. Its bottom is covered with shiny fabric, which acts as a mirror reflector. In front of it is a mass of phosphorescent cells. And on top there is a transparent lens that can be closed by a diaphragm (a light-proof layer of black cells). The diaphragm, when necessary, “extinguishes” the luminous spot.
Some squids even have muscles that allow them to turn the photophore in different directions, changing the direction of illumination. It turns out that the photophore acts like a car headlight - nature invented such a light source long before man. Often photophores are located next to the eyes, or even on the eyes themselves. Apparently, this helps to view various objects in the dark.
Unlike octopuses, which like to change colors, squids are more permanent creatures. They do not live on a motley bottom, but in transparent water columns. So squids can change color from golden to red-brown, but usually remain colorless. And only an emotional shock can force a squid to radically “change its color.”
But the cuttlefish dressed in a striped outfit. Of course, this coloring does not always blend in with the colors of the underwater landscape, but it helps to camouflage differently. The stripes seem to divide the body of the mollusk into several parts, thereby hiding its true outlines. In the animal world, a similar principle of “separating coloration” is very widely used. Some cuttlefish can “change their appearance” even better than octopuses, instantly displaying stripes or spots on themselves, depending on what is needed for camouflage.
Cuttlefish can illuminate the space around them. In the recess of the ink sac they have a “bubble” of bacteria that glows very brightly. The bottom of the cavity is lined with a layer of shiny cells that act as a reflector. And to extinguish its flashlight, the cuttlefish secretes a few drops of ink into the mantle cavity: they cover the bag with bacteria with a thin film, “turning off” the light.
The mating ceremony of cuttlefish is interesting. The male swims next to the female, following her everywhere. From time to time the couple stops, the male swims forward, and the tentacles of the “lovers” intertwine, as if in an embrace. Such courtship can last more than one hour, but their result is always the same - the female lays eggs, hanging them on thin stalks in a secret grotto. By doing this difficult work, she uses her side "hands". The cuttlefish ties the stalk coming from the egg around a support, and the stalk of the second egg intertwines with the stalk of the first - as a result, a bunch of eggs is formed, similar to a bunch of grapes (in Italy they call it “sea grapes”). Some species of cuttlefish that lay eggs on the bottom camouflage their eggs with ink.
Many mysteries of cephalopods have not yet been solved. The problem, in particular, is that it is not easy to keep cephalopods in captivity - they are very sensitive to the quality of water and the amount of oxygen dissolved in it.
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