pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Marine Neurotoxins: Ingestible Toxins - PubMed

Marine Neurotoxins: Ingestible Toxins

Elijah W. Stommel et al. Curr Treat Options Neurol. 2004 Mar.

Abstract

Fish and shellfish account for a significant portion of food-borne illnesses throughout the world. In general, three classes of diseases result from seafood consumption--intoxication, allergies, and infections. In this review, the authors discuss several seafood-borne toxins, including domoic acid, which acts on the central nervous system. In addition, the authors discuss ciguatoxin-, brevetoxin-, saxitoxin-, tetrodotoxin-, and scombroid-related histamine toxicity, all of which act primarily on the peripheral nervous system. Fish has become a very popular food in the US mostly related to its potential health benefits. Fish is consumed to such a degree that fishing stocks are reportedly at an all time low from what seemed like an endless supply even 30 years ago. One of the most significant threats to human intoxication is the recreational harvest of shellfish, often times located in remote locations where the harvesters are subsistent on fishery resources and have no monitoring in place. The hazard to intoxication is not as common in purchased seafood, which is more stringently regulated, yet still is a serious problem. Most ingestible toxins are thermo-stable and therefore unaffected by cooking, freezing, or salting. Air transport of consumable products throughout the world makes it easy to obtain exotic edibles from far away countries. A seemingly unusual toxin can be more commonly encountered than previously thought and it is important to consider this when evaluating patients. Recognition and treatment of various neurologic symptoms related to seafood ingestion is paramount in today's mobile, gastronomic world. Specific treatments vary with each individual toxin and with the individual's specific reaction to the toxin. Generally, some degree of medical care is required with all ingestible toxin exposure, ranging from simple administration of medication and hydration to ventilatory and cardiovascular support.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Bull Soc Pathol Exot. 1992;85(5 Pt 2):423-4 - PubMed
    1. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2002 Apr 19;51(15):321-3 - PubMed
    1. Sci Total Environ. 2001 Apr 10;270(1-3):27-31 - PubMed
    1. Ann Ophthalmol. 1986 Oct;18(10):287-8 - PubMed
    1. Arch Intern Med. 1992 Oct;152(10):2131-3 - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources