What is the deadliest shellfish toxin?
What is the deadliest shellfish toxin?
Saxitoxin
Saxitoxin (STX) is a potent neurotoxin and the best-known paralytic shellfish toxin (PST). Ingestion of saxitoxin by humans, usually by consumption of shellfish contaminated by toxic algal blooms, is responsible for the illness known as paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).
Can saxitoxin cause paralysis?
Toxic effects Larger exposures lead to a spreading numbness of the mouth, throat, and extremities. High exposure levels may cause acute muscle paralysis and respiratory failure (Garcia et al., 2004).
Is paralytic shellfish poisoning fatal?
People can become ill from eating shellfish contaminated with Paralytic Shellfish Poison. This biotoxin affects the nervous system and paralyzes muscles, thus the term “paralytic” shellfish poison. High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison can cause severe illness and death.
Why is saxitoxin May fatal to humans?
The long-established molecular target of saxitoxin is the voltage-gated sodium channel in nerve and muscle cells, to which it binds with high affinity and can result in death via respiratory paralysis [29].
Are some mussels poisonous?
Poisonous mussels contain the extremely dangerous and paralyzing neurotoxin saxitoxin. This neurotoxin is the cause of paralytic shellfish poisoning. The first symptoms include numbness in the mouth and lips, spreading to the face and neck.
How do you prevent saxitoxin?
To avoid Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, members of the public are advised to observe the following:
- Buy shellfish from reliable and licensed seafood shops;
- Remove the viscera, gonads and roe before cooking;
- Eat a smaller amount of shellfish in any one meal and avoid consuming the cooking liquid;
How is saxitoxin treated?
While most patients recover without treatment, weakness may rapidly progress to respiratory paralysis and asphyxiation. Currently there are no antidotes to saxitoxin and treatment is supportive.
How do I get saxitoxin?
Exposure to saxitoxin most commonly occurs following ingestion of certain fish that contain it in their tissues. Ingestion of saxitoxin can cause numbness of the oral mucosa as quickly as 30 minutes after exposure.
Is mussel safe to eat?
Are Mussels Safe to Eat? Mussels harvested from approved waters, handled and processed in sanitary conditions are safe for raw consumption by healthy individuals.
How long does it take for shellfish poisoning?
Shellfish Poisoning Symptoms Symptoms of shellfish poisoning begin 4-48 hours after eating and include: Nausea.
What happens if you eat bad mussels?
Algae that are consumed by shellfish produce many toxins, and these can build up in the flesh of shellfish, posing danger to humans when they consume the shellfish ( 17 ). What happens if you eat bad mussels? After eating contaminated clams or mussels, you will most likely experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What is shellfish poisoning?
Shellfish poisoning is caused by eating contaminated shellfish, such as oysters, clams, scallops or mussels. Shellfish poisoning is a general term used to indicate poisoning that occurs when shellfish (mainly oysters, clams, scallops or mussels) are eaten by humans.
What should I do if I have been exposed to shellfish?
Seek medical treatment immediately if the person is unable to tolerate oral fluids, if fever is present, if there is blood in the stool, or if other concerning symptoms develop. For all other cases of shellfish poisoning, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
How do you know if you have been poisoned by fish?
Contaminated fish may have a tainted odor or taste. Symptoms of shellfish poisoning begin 4-48 hours after eating and include: Cramps. A person who has blood in the stool and a fever may have a bacterial infection. Follow these steps for someone with shellfish poisoning: Do not induce vomiting. Help the person stay well-hydrated.
