Evaluation of MIST Alert (TM) rapid test kits for the detection of paralytic and amnesic shellfish poisoning toxins in shellfish

摘要

Rapid test kits (MIST Alert(TM)) for the detection of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) toxins in shellfish have recently been developed. In this study, these kits have been evaluated for their potential use in shellfish toxin-monitoring programs and by the shellfish industry. These antibody-based tests were used to assess the presence of shellfish toxins qualitatively in a variety of shellfish species (mussels, scallops, oysters, cockles, razor fish) while routine methods of detection were simultaneously used to quantify any toxin present. All shellfish extracts found to contain PSP toxins at the regulatory limit of 80 mug saxitoxin equivalents (STX eq) 100 g(-1) shellfish flesh using the mouse bioassay (MBA) were confirmed as positive by MIST Alert for PSP. Shellfish farmers and other professionals in the industry also used these test kits successfully, with all positive samples being correctly identified, clearly demonstrating its potential application in shellfish harvest management and end product testing. MIST Alert for ASP also detected toxin in all monitoring samples containing the regulatory limit for amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) toxins, 20 mug g(-1) shellfish flesh, as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In addition, among samples in which HPLC did not detect toxin, the kit agreed in 99% of tests. Overall, these results suggest that MIST Alert(TM) for PSP and ASP could be used as part of routine monitoring programs.