A new strain of Neowestiellopsis (Hapalosiphonaceae): first observation of toxic soil cyanobacteria from agricultural fields in Iran

Background In the present research, challenges arose when many reports have been published on the poisoning of humans due to the ingestion of crops of Crataegus plants contaminated with cyanobacterial toxins. The discovery of several poisonings around agricultural zones prompted us to study the toxic compounds in a strain of Neowestiellopsis which is the most abundant in the agricultural zones of Kermanshah province of Iran, using a polyphasic approach. Molecular procedure was followed to study these strains deeply. Material and methods To elucidate their systematic position, besides the 16S rRNA gene, the analyses of molecular toxicity markers, namely nos, mcy G, mcy D and internal transcribed spacer (ITS), were also used. Results Based on the results, for the first time, we record the presence of a gene cluster coding for the biosynthesis of a bioactive compound (Nostopeptolides) that is very rare in this family and the presence of toxic compounds (microcystin), which might account for the poisoning of humans. Conclusions This case is the first observation of a toxic soil strain from the genus Neowestiellopsis from agricultural fields in Iran.

Automated summary

This study identified a toxic soil strain from the genus Neowestiellopsis in agricultural fields in Iran. The strain was found to contain toxic compounds that can cause human poisoning, which is a novel discovery in this region.