Paralytic Shellfish

Monday, 19 September 2022 10:05 am

Is a naturally occurring marine biotoxin generated by microalgae species. Shellfish consume these
algae and can retain the toxin, causing people to fall ill if they consume shellfish contaminated with
Paralytic Shellfish Poison.

This biotoxin attacks the neurological system and causes muscular paralysis, thus the name
"paralytic" shellfish poison. Paralytic Shellfish Poison in high concentrations can cause serious
disease and possibly death

What types of Shellfish are affected Bivalve Molluscan Shellfish

Clams
Mussels
Oysters
Geoduck
Scallops
Crabs - not included but they feed on shellfish, they might consume it and mag accumulate toxins na
pwede makaon sa tao

CAUSATIVE AGENT AND ETICLOGY

Shellfish are filter feeders. They pump water through their systems, filtering out and eating algae
especially phytoplankton called dinoflagellates, and including species of Alexandrium.

When consumed, biotoxin accumalates in their tissues. SAXITOCIN AND GONYAUTOXIN both toxins
are the cause to be paralyzed.

The concentration of saxitoxins in shellfish often increases when warm temperatures, sunlight and
nutrient—rich water cause plankton to rapidly reproduce or "bloom"

• Blooms of the causative Alexandrium species occur several times each year, primarily from
April through October.
• Most shellfish remain toxic for several weeks after the bloom subsides

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 1. Symptoms after 5 minutes to hours
2. Circumoral (around the mouth) and Paresthesia
○ Hands
○ Arms
○ Legs
○ Feet
○ Other Parts of the Body
3. Sensation happens without Warning
○ Tingling
○ Numbness
○ Skin crawling
○ Itching
4. In severe cases
○ Ataxia
○ Dysphonia
○ Dysphagia
○ Total muscle paralysis
○ Respiratory arrest
○ DEATH

MANAGEMENT

DIAGNOSTIC TEST
• Diagnosing PSP is presumptive and based on recent ingestions
• Fecalysis
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (checks level of saxitocin)

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
• No antidote for Paralytic Shellfish Poison
• Gastric Lavage (clean out contents of stomach)
• Charcoal
• Sodium Bicarbonate to IV fluid
• Life support systems
○ Mechanical respirator
○ Oxygen

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SAMPLE

S - signs and symptoms

A - allergies
M - medication
P - past medical history
L - last intake
E-

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