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Rapid and Sensitive ELISA Screening Assay for Several Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Human Urine
P Eangoor1, A S Indapurkar1, M Vakkalanka1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mercer University, 3001 Mercer University Dr, Atlanta, GA-30341, USA.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|October 5, 2017
Summary
A new rapid urine test accurately detects paralytic shellfish toxins, aiding in patient treatment and preventing further exposure through timely shellfish harvesting advisories.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) results from toxins produced by dinoflagellates.
- Key toxins include saxitoxin, neosaxitoxin, and gonyautoxins.
- Rapid diagnosis is crucial for patient treatment and public health advisories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a rapid screening test for major paralytic shellfish toxins in urine.
- To establish the test's sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy across various urine conditions.
Main Methods:
- Development of a urinary enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Characterization of the lower limit of detection (LLOD) for six major PSP toxins.
- Testing for specificity using unspiked urine and accuracy with spiked urine samples.
Main Results:
- The ELISA demonstrated high specificity with no interference in human urine.
- Accurate detection of toxins at LLODs ranging from 0.02 to 15 ng/mL.
- The test performed reliably across a wide range of urine osmolalities and pH levels.
Conclusions:
- A rapid, accurate, and specific ELISA-based screening test for urinary paralytic shellfish toxins has been developed.
- This diagnostic tool can significantly aid in managing PSP cases and informing public health interventions.
- The test's performance supports its use for rapid screening in clinical and public health settings.
