Abstract
Gambierdiscus spp. are the major culprit responsible for global ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP). At present, the effects of microbiological factors on algal proliferation and toxin production are poorly understood. To evaluate the regulatory roles of quorum-sensing (QS) bacteria in the physiology of Gambierdiscus, co-culture experiments with screened QS strains were conducted in this study. Except for the growth-inhibiting effect from the strain Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, the algal host generally displayed much higher growth potential and toxin production ability with the existence of QS strains. In addition, Bacillus anthracis particularly exhibited a broad-spectrum growth enhancement effect on various Gambierdiscus types, as well as a remarkable influence on algal toxicity. The variations of algal physiological status, including growth rate, chlorophyll content, and responsive behaviors, are potential reasons for the observed positive or negative affection. This study suggests that QS bacteria regulate the algal growth and toxin production. Based on the evidence, we further speculate that QS bacteria may contribute to the site-specific distribution of CFP risk through regulating the algal host biomass and toxicity.
Highlights
Public health around the world is threatened by the ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), which is a serious syndrome that is caused by the ingestion of tropical and subtropical reef fish contaminated with lipophilic ciguatoxins (CTXs) [1]
The aim of this study is to investigate whether and how the signaling bacteria could influence the growth potential and toxicogenic behavior of Gambierdiscus, and have a better understanding of the reasons leading to the site-specific spatial distribution phenomenon of CFP
In the 96-well microtiter-plate test (Figure S1a), more than 900 bacterial isolates from sampling sites were screened for acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) production, and 32 isolates were identified as potential AHL-producing candidates
Summary
Public health around the world is threatened by the ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), which is a serious syndrome that is caused by the ingestion of tropical and subtropical reef fish contaminated with lipophilic ciguatoxins (CTXs) [1]. Any toxicity that exceeding 0.31 ng/g P-CTX-3C equivalent of flesh would cause signs of intoxication including neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular dysfunctions [2,3]. With the expanding of the international tropical fish trade, CFP has spread throughout the world, including places such as Hong Kong [6], Southeast Asia [7], Australia [8], and America [9]. Alongside the direct impact on human health, CPF caused huge economic loss to the marine fishing industry. In America alone, the annual loss is estimated to $22 million [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
