AUTHOR=Band-Schmidt Christine J. , Durán-Riveroll Lorena M. , Bustillos-Guzmán José J. , Leyva-Valencia Ignacio , López-Cortés David J. , Núñez-Vázquez Erick J. , Hernández-Sandoval Francisco E. , Ramírez-Rodríguez Dulce V. 

TITLE=Paralytic Toxin Producing Dinoflagellates in Latin America: Ecology and Physiology

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Marine Science

VOLUME=6

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2019.00042

DOI=10.3389/fmars.2019.00042

ISSN=2296-7745

ABSTRACT=<p>In this review we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding taxonomy, bloom dynamics, toxicity, autoecology, and trophic interactions, of saxitoxin producing dinoflagellates in this region. The dinoflagellates <italic>Gymnodinium catenatum, Pyrodinium bahamense</italic> and several species of <italic>Alexandrium</italic> are saxitoxin producers, and have been responsible of paralytic shellfish poisoning in different regions of Latin America, causing intoxications and important fisheries losses. The species distribution differ; most harmful algal blooms of <italic>G. catenatum</italic> are from the northern region, however this species has also been reported in central and southern regions. Blooms of <italic>P. bahamense</italic> are mostly reported in North and Central America, while blooms of <italic>Alexandrium</italic> species are more common in South America, however this genus is widely spread in Latin America. Species and regional differences are contrasted, with the aim to contribute to future guidelines for an international scientific approach for research and monitoring activities that are needed to increase our understanding of paralytic toxin producing dinoflagellates in this region.</p>