The ciliate Euplotes balteatus is resistant to Paralytic Shellfish Toxins from Alexandrium minutum (Dinophyceae).

ABSTRACT: Research on interactions between grazers and toxigenic algae is fundamental for understanding toxin dynamics within aquatic ecosystems and developing biotic approaches to mitigate harmful algal blooms. The dinoflagellate Alexandrium minutum is a well-known microalga responsible for paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) contamination in many coastal regions worldwide. This study investigated the impact of the ciliate Euplotes balteatus on cell density and PSTs transfer in simulated A. minutum blooms under controlled conditions. E. balteatus exhibited resistance to the PSTs produced by A. minutum with a density of up to 10,000 cells/mL, sustaining growth and reproduction while eliminating algal cells within a few days. The cellular PSTs content of A. minutum

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11294722 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature