Development of semi-quantitative PCR assays for the detection of enumeration of Gambierdiscus species (Gonyaulacales, Dinophyceae)

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is a serious health problem in tropical regions and is caused by the bioaccumulation of lipophilic toxins produced by dinoflagellates in the genus Gambierdiscus. Gambierdiscus species are morphologically similar and are difficult to distinguish from one another even when using scanning electron microscopy.