Utility of a PCR-based method for rapid and specific detection of toxigenic Microcystis spp. in farm ponds.

ABSTRACT: Microcystis is a widespread freshwater cyanobacterium that can produce microcystin, a potent hepatotoxin harmful to animals and humans. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor for the presence of toxigenic Microcystis spp. to provide early warning of potential microcystin contamination. Microscopy, which has been used traditionally to identify Microcystis spp., cannot differentiate toxigenic from non-toxigenic Microcystis. We developed a PCR-based method to detect toxigenic Microcystis spp. based on detection of the microcystin synthetase C (mcyC) gene and 16S rRNA gene. Specificity was validated against toxic and nontoxic M. aeruginosa strains, as well as 4 intergeneric freshwater cyanobacterial strains. Analytical sensitivity was as low as 747

SUBMITTER: Yuan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7377613 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature