DNA probes, targeting large sub-unit rRNA, for the rapid identification of the paralytic shellfish poison producing dinoflagellate, Gymnodinium catenatum

The dinoflagellate Gymnodinium catenatum was first observed in New Zealand at Manukau Harbour on the west coast of the North Island in May 2000. At that time, a strong correlation was evident between the micro-algal bloom and the occurrence of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSP) in shellfish. This paper describes the design and testing of oligonucletide probes targeting the large sub-unit (LSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of G. catenatum. The probes were developed in fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) and sandwich hybridisation assay (SHA) format to rapidly differentiate the target PSP producer from non-toxic look-alike dinoflagellates. Specificity was affirmed by testing the probes against dinoflagellate and flagellate isolates.