Shellfish poisoning

Shellfish poisoning refers to harmful effects from consuming shellfish that have been contaminated. This can occur due to various toxins that shellfish may accumulate from their environment, often by consuming toxic microorganisms. There are several types of shellfish poisoning, including Paralytic shellfish poisoning, Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, Amnesic shellfish poisoning, and Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning.

Types of Shellfish Poisoning

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is a serious illness caused by eating shellfish contaminated with dinoflagellate algae that produces harmful toxins. Some of these toxins are saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin. Symptoms can range from tingling lips and tongue to difficulty breathing and even death.

Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP)

Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) is caused by the consumption of shellfish contaminated with brevetoxins from the dinoflagellate, Karenia brevis. Symptoms include gastrointestinal and neurological issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and reversal of hot and cold sensations.

Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP)

Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) is caused by consuming shellfish contaminated with domoic acid, a toxin produced by diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal issues and neurological problems such as memory loss.

Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP)

Diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) is caused by the consumption of shellfish contaminated with okadaic acid or dinophysistoxins, produced by dinoflagellates. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Prevention

Prevention of shellfish poisoning primarily involves monitoring and regulation of shellfish harvesting to avoid areas and times when toxin levels are high. Cooking does not destroy the toxins.

See Also

• Foodborne illness
• Harmful algal bloom
• Red tide

Shellfish poisoning Resources
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