Evaluation of DNA Probe-based Assays for Rapid Detection of Toxigenic Marine Diatoms

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9602576 Scholin This objectives of this collaborative research project between Christopher A. Scholin of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and Lesley L. Rhodes of the Cawthorn Institute in Nelson, New Zealand are (1) to determine whether the dipstick assay incorporating large-subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA)- targeted probes is a viable method for identifying and quantifying toxigenic species of Pseudo-nitzschia associated with the production of domoic acid (DA), a neurotoxic substance linked to illness of humans and wildlife (amnesic shellfish poisoning) and to economic losses, (2) to compare the performance of the dipstick assay to a microscopy-based whole cell fluorescence assay, and (3) to assess the utility of the method for routine analyses of samples collected as part of the New Zealand shellfish biotoxin monitoring program. The results will serve as a model for how one might detect other aquatic-borne toxic micro organisms in near real-time using DNA probes.