Assessing the use of artificial substrates to monitor Gambierdiscus populations in the Florida Keys.

Four distinct coastal locations were sampled on a monthly basis near Long Key (Florida Keys, USA) over a 13-month period to study Gambierdiscus population dynamics on different substrates, including four macrophyte species (Dictyota spp., Halimeda spp., Laurencia spp., and Thalassia testudinum) and three artificial substrates (polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tiles, burlap, and fiberglass window screen). Cell densities of Gambierdiscus were generally lower on Dictyota versus Halimeda and Laurencia. Cell densities of Gambierdiscus were significantly correlated among macrophyte hosts in 54% of the comparisons, and between macrophyte hosts and artificial substrates in 72% of the comparisons. Predictive slopes determined from regression analyses between cell densities on artificial substrates and macrophyte hosts indicated that, on an areal basis, fewer cells were present on macrophytes versus artificial substrates (cells cm-2) and that slope variation (error) among the different macrophytes and sites ranged from 5% to 200%, averaging 61% overall. As the data required log-transformation prior to analyses, this level of error translates into two-orders of magnitude in range of estimation of the overall average abundance of Gambierdiscus cells on macrophytes (135 cells g-1 wet weight); 20-2690 cells g-1 ww. The lack of consistent correlation among Gambierdiscus cell densities on macrophytes versus artificial substrates, coupled with the high level of error associated with the predictive slope estimations, indicates that extreme caution should be taken when interpreting the data garnered from artificial substrate deployments, and that such deployments should be thoroughly vetted prior to routine use for monitoring purposes.

Validation of the Soleris yeast and mold test for semiquantitative determination of yeast and mold in selected foods. Performance tested methods 040901.

The Soleris yeast and mold method, a growth-based test system with an optical detection end point, was evaluated for its ability to detect yeast and mold contamination in a wide variety of foods. The Soleris test was used in a semiquantitative manner, in which the test result is positive or negative at a threshold level determined by the dilution and volume of sample homogenate added to the Soleris test vial. By testing at two or more threshold levels, the contamination level can be estimated. The LOD of the Soleris method is 10 CFU/g when 1 mL of a 1:10 sample homogenate is added to the test vial. In these studies, the Soleris results were compared to plate counts obtained using the U.S Food and Drug Administration/Bacteriological Analytical Manual direct plating method, and agreement between the methods was calculated. Considering results from both internal and independent laboratory trials, overall agreement between the methods was 90%. Chi-square analysis showed, with few exceptions, that results of the Soleris and direct plating methods were not statistically different. Ruggedness testing was performed, and the Soleris method was found to be robust when challenged with marginally suboptimal assay conditions. Results of inclusivity testing showed that the Soleris test vial medium supports the growth of a wide variety of yeasts and molds common to foods. Results of exclusivity testing showed that bacteria do not produce positive results, even when present in the vial in relatively high initial concentrations. The Soleris method produces results in 72 h or less and thus offers considerable time savings in comparison to other commonly used yeast and mold methods.