Molecular methods for monitoring harmful algal bloom species

Abstract

Shellfish production can be adversely affected by the presence of harmful microalgae (HABs). Toxins produced by Dinophysis, Alexandrium and Pseudo-nitzschia species can accumulate in shellfish and have the potential to cause serious human illness. In order to satisfy EU legislative requirements pertaining to the production and export of shellfish (EC Hygiene Regulations 2004, No. 853/2004 and No. 854/2004, which replaced the EU Shellfish Hygiene Directive 91/492/EEC in January 2006), monitoring the presence of harmful algal species and biotoxins in coastal waters is performed by EU member states. Routine microscopic monitoring methods are unable to identify certain toxic species, in particular, Alexandrium and Pseudo-nitzschia spp. Electron microscopy is required for species identification and this technique cannot be integrated into a routine monitoring programme. Molecular techniques utilise unique sequence signatures within microorganism genomes for species specific identification. Molecular methods applied for the identification and quantification of HAB species include Fluorescent in-situ hybridisation (FISH) and in-vitro amplification based methods, in particular, real-time PCR.