Ciguatera fish poisoning
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
Ciguatera fish poisoning (pronounced: sig-wa-terra fish poisoning) is a foodborne illness caused by eating certain reef fish whose flesh is contaminated with toxins originally produced by dinoflagellates such as Gambierdiscus toxicus which are part of the phytoplankton.
Etymology
The term "ciguatera" originates from the Spanish word "ciguato", which is derived from the Caribbean Taino word for the poisonous algal bloom that contaminates the fish.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ciguatera fish poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, numbness, tingling, abdominal pain, dizziness, and vertigo. Severe cases of ciguatera can also result in cold allodynia, which is a perception of burning sensation on contact with cold.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and a history of eating tropical reef fish. The Ciguatoxin test is not commercially available and thus it is often a clinical diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment is primarily supportive. Intravenous hydration with crystalloids and antiemetics can be given for symptomatic relief. Mannitol was once used for this condition but its benefits are unproven and it is no longer recommended.
Prevention
Prevention is by not eating reef fish in areas where ciguatera is common, or by only eating small reef fish.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ciguatera fish poisoning
- Wikipedia's article - Ciguatera fish poisoning
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