Diagnosis of microcystin-producing cyanobacteria of Anzali Lagoon using an optimized PCR method

Production of dangerous cyanotoxins such as microcystin، resulted from cyanobacteria bloom in territorial waters، could cause worldwide issues. We optimized and implemented a PCR method for detection of microcystin-producing cyanobacteria in Anzali Lagoon. Sampling was performed from 20 stations within western، central and eastern parts of the Lagoon. DNA was extracted using DNG-Plus kits. Optimization of PCR test for two universal (23S30R، CYA106F) and two specific primers (mcyA-Cd1F، mcyA-Cd1R) achieved، and its sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. Moreover، the test was applied for samples from Anzali Lagoon. Optimum PCR yield was obtained at 56 C، and in 0. 4 μM concentrations of the primers. Optimized PCR method revealed، which cyanobacteria were present in samples from all of the studied stations of Anzali Lagoon. In addition، microcystin-producing cyanobacteria were observed in 10 out of 20 stations. ‍ Anzali Lagoon may have been predominated by dangerous cyanobacteria، and our optimized PCR method can be exerted as an efficient tool for monitoring of microcystin-producing species of cyanobacteria in the lagoons and other water sources.