Development and Validation of PCR-RFLP Assay for Identification of Gambierdiscus species in the Greater Caribbean region.

ABSTRACT: The genus Gambierdiscus is a recognized group of marine epiphytic-benthic dinoflagellates that produce the toxins that cause ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP). To date, thirteen species and six ribotypes of Gambierdiscus have been identified, and multiple species commonly co-occur within a single site or epiphyte community. Toxicity can vary by species, thus it is important to be able to differentiate among species for research and monitoring purposes. Gambierdiscus species have very similar morphological characteristics and are difficult or impossible to distinguish using light microscopy. DNA sequencing has been an important tool in the definition of Gambierdiscus species, but it can be time-consuming and relatively expensive. To provide an alternative approach, a PCR-RFLP protocol was deve

SUBMITTER: Lozano-Duque Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6759227 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature