An investigation of Clostridium species present in nutraceutical preparations of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) for human consumption

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dc.contributor.authorHoekstra D.T.
dc.contributor.authorVolschenk H.
dc.contributor.authorCollins M.
dc.contributor.authorMcMaster L.D.
dc.date.accessioned2011-10-13T16:58:18Z
dc.date.available2011-10-13T16:58:18Z
dc.date.issued2011
dc.description.abstractThe presence of the anaerobic spore former Clostridium in Arthrospira platensis destined for human consumption is generally not assessed during quality assurance procedures. As this nutraceutical is administered as complementary medicine to the immunocompromised, this study aimed to investigate the presence of these potential pathogens. Anaerobic counts performed on tablets from a single manufacturer indicated an excess of 105 CFU/endospores g-1 tablet for three different A. platensis batches. Tests for coliforms for use as "indicators" of pathogens in the tablets were negative. Using classic culture techniques, five species of Clostridium were isolated. Subsequent use of PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting of tablets showed a divergent microbial population, with a predominance of anaerobic endospore formers, including Clostridium. Sequencing of a 1.5 kb 16S rDNA clone library and phylogenetic analyses of prominent operational taxonomic units confirmed the presence of an additional five Clostridium spp. and other genera in the tablets. A composite molecular ladder, using 16S rRNA DGGE amplicons of 17 representative bacterial species was constructed to assist in identifying anaerobes present in tablets sourced from three different A. platensis manufacturers. Results indicated that commercial A. platensis preparations were contaminated with potentially hazardous clostridia and other anaerobic species. Results suggest that certain commercial A. platensis preparations require stringent microbial quality assurance measures to ensure safe use as a nutraceutical for the immunocompromised and the general public. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
dc.description.versionArticle
dc.identifier.citationJournal of Applied Phycology
dc.identifier.citation23
dc.identifier.citation4
dc.identifier.citationhttp://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-79960730018&partnerID=40&md5=53857a7d480858667240858f19469ea2
dc.identifier.issn9218971
dc.identifier.other10.1007/s10811-010-9630-7
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/16677
dc.subjectAnaerobes
dc.subjectArthrospira (Spirulina) platensis
dc.subjectClostridium
dc.subjectHealth supplements
dc.subjectImmunocompromised
dc.subjectNutraceuticals
dc.subjectArthrospira platensis
dc.subjectBacteria (microorganisms)
dc.subjectClostridia
dc.subjectClostridium
dc.subjectSpirulina
dc.titleAn investigation of Clostridium species present in nutraceutical preparations of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) for human consumption
dc.typeArticle
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