Ciguatera Poisoning

Causative organisms: Gambierdiscus spp..  Other possible contributors include Prorocentrum spp., Ostreopsis spp., Coolia monotis, Thecadinium spp. and Amphidinium carterae

Toxins implicated: Ciguatoxins; possibly maitotoxin, okadaic acid, palytoxin analogs, and others.

 

Ciguatera Poisoning (CP) produces gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiovascular symptoms. Generally, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain occur first, followed by neurological dysfunction including muscular aches and pain, pruritis (itching),  dizziness, sweating, and numbness and tingling of the mouth and fingers, and reversal of temperature sensation. Cardiovascular symptoms are most commonly associated with regional CP in the Pacific, and have been linked to increased potency of toxins in those areas. Paralysis and death have been documented in rare instances, however most symptoms are severely debilitating. To date there is no antidote , so supportive care and medications addressing distinct symptoms are often provided. Recovery can take between 6-12 weeks in most cases, with pain and itching being the longest lasting symptoms. Cold ice baths are recommended for relief in these cases. Treatment of acute CP with mannitol has had some reported success, but was reported to result from a placebo effect based on scientific studies.  A chronic phase of CP may result in approximately 20% of those acutely exposed to ciguatoxins and lasts for several years, which may be related to autoimmune dysfunction. Absolute prevention of intoxication depends upon complete abstinence from eating any tropical reef fish, as there is currently no practical way to routinely measure the toxins in any seafood product prior to consumption. Local knowledge of safe fishing areas and safe seafood species provides the best preventive guide for CP.

U.S. Finfish, Shellfish and Wildlife Affected by CP

Harmful Algal Species	Geographic Area	Affected Organisms*
Gambierdiscus spp.	Gulf of Mexico Florida Keys Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands Hawaii Guam	Grouper Snapper Hogfish Triggerfish Lionfish Mackerel Jacks Barracuda Parrot fish Tang Goat fish Other finfish Gastropods and other invertebrates
*Found to contain algal toxins, or to be adversely affected by toxic or harmful marine algae.

Medical Community

Ciguatera Poisoning
Additional Information on CP including:
Background, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, Management and Treatment, Chemical Structure, and Molecular Mechanism of Action.