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

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Abstract

The 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.

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Acknowledgements

Financial assistance from the National Research Foundation and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology Research Fund is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are due to Monique Fredericks and Diane James for their input.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 652, Cape Town, South Africa, 8000

    Dirk T. Hoekstra, Michelle Collins & Lynn D. McMaster

  2. Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag XI, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 7602

    Heinrich Volschenk

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  1. Dirk T. Hoekstra
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  2. Heinrich Volschenk
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  4. Lynn D. McMaster
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Correspondence to Lynn D. McMaster.

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Hoekstra, D.T., Volschenk, H., Collins, M. et al. An investigation of Clostridium species present in nutraceutical preparations of Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) for human consumption. J Appl Phycol 23, 777–787 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-010-9630-7

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