Identification of the Clam Species Ruditapes decussatus (Grooved Carpet Shell), Venerupis rhomboides (Yellow Carpet Shell) and Venerupis pullastra (Pullet Carpet Shell) by ELISA

An ELISA has been developed for the identification of three clam species: Ruditapes decussatus (grooved carpet shell), Venerupis rhomboides ( yellow carpet shell) and Venerupis pullastra (pullet carpet shell). The assay was performed using polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) against clam soluble proteins in two different formats: microtiter plates and immunostick tubes. PAbs were rendered species-specific by blocking them with soluble proteins from heterologous clam species. For the indirect ELISA, clam soluble proteins were adsorbed onto polystyrene plates or immunostick paddles. Species-specific PAbs were then added to the wells or tubes. Goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulins conjugated to the enzyme horseradish peroxidase were used for the immunorecognition of the PAbs adsorbed to clam samples. Subsequent enzymatic conversion of the substrate allowed the identification of the three clam species analyzed.