Evaluation of Quantitative Real-Time TaqMan PCR for Detection and Quantification of Alexandrium Species in Scottish Waters

Anglais

Évaluation de la PCR TaqMan pour la détection et la quantification d'espèces d'Alexandrium dans les eaux écossaises

Collins Catherine ; Graham Jennifer ; Brown Lyndsay ; Bresnan Eileen ; Turrell Elizabeth

Marine Laboratory (UK)

Monitoring of phytoplankton, for determination of toxic algal events, requires reliable identification. Quantification of phytoplankton cell numbers may aid with the development of algal toxin early warning systems and help ensure the sale of safe seafood. To this aim we are developing Quantitative real-time TaqMan PCR (QPCR) assays for the detection and quantification of a suite of Alexandrium (Alexandrium tamarense Groups I and III, A. minutum and A. ostenfeldii). Assays targeting the Large Subunit (LSU) rDNA were tested using clonal cultures of Alexandrium and assessed using field samples from shellfish aquaculture and harvesting areas. Preliminary results indicate that only the QPCR assay for A. tamarense Group I is specific. Quantification of Alexandrium cells was variable; reasons for the variability with suggestions for future improvements to sample processing are given.

Alexandrium ; ITS ; LSU ; PCR quantitative ; calibration

Alexandrium ; ITS ; LSU ; quantitative PCR ; calibration

2009

13 p.

5. Harmful phytoplankton