Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Stephanie Perez
Mallery Quetawki
Sara Jones
Introduction
Gambierdiscus toxicus
Importance of study
Macroalgae in coral reefs
Ciguatoxins
Reef Fish
Mechanism
Introduction cont
Fun Facts
Discussion
Summary
Extra info
Importance of Study
G. Toxicus leads to Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in
humans.
Sea food diners and consumers need to be educated
on risks for exposure to Ciguatoxins
Disruption of environment, both natural and mancaused, can lead to adverse effects on animals and
humans.
Gambierdiscus toxicus
Gambierdiscus toxicus
Found in the Pacific Ocean, Red Sea, Indian Ocean,
and Caribbean Seas from 35N to 35S
Gambierdiscus
Fish
Humans
Toxicus
Small carnivorous
Larger
fish
Cycle of Toxin
Destruction of coral reef ecosystem, due to human activities or
freshly grown algae is then consumed by smaller fish where the toxin
accumulates in the liver, eggs and skin.
Tropical/Subtropical Fish
Moray eel
Barracuda
Parrot Fish
Hogfish
Grouper
Kingfish
Coral trout
Flowery cod
Jacks
Snapper
Red emperor
Wrasses
Surgeonfish
Spanish Mackerel
Snapper
Barracuda
Moray Eel
Flowery Cod
Grouper
Spanish Mackerel
Clinical Signs
Numbness and Tingling in
the mouth.
Abdominal pain, nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea.
Dehydration from GI
symptoms
Dental pain, pruritus,
arhralgias, myalgia,
ataxia, vertigo, and
respiratory paralysis may
also be observed.
paresthesis, painful
paresthesias of the
extremities, and
paradoxical temperature
reversal (reversal of hot
and cold sensation).
Coma, bradycardia, and
hypotension can be seen
in extremely severe cases.
Diagnosis
Although Ciguatera Fish
Diagnosis
Current research is
Treatment
Due to the absence of a
concrete method of
diagnosing an actual
case of CFP, it is hard to
research new drug
treatments. The lack of
accurate diagnosis
paired with the sporadic
cases makes clinical
research for therapeutic
drugs very difficult.
Currently, Mannitol is
Treatment
The main course of
decontamination. It only
treatment is to treat the
works if it is administered
symptoms.
within 3-4 hours of the
Treatment varies on the
initial ingestion.
symptoms as the
Antiemetics may control
poisoning presents
nausea and vomiting.
different signs in
different patients.
Cold showers and
antihistamines can help
with pain from pruritus.
Medications
There are six different kinds of medicines that are
Medications
ANTIHISTAMI
NES
Mainly used to relieve
pruritus (itching)
Diphenhydramine
(Benadryl)
It is the main treatment
Hydroxyzine (Atarax)
Antagonizes H1
receptors in periphery.
May suppress
histamine activity in
subcortical region of
CNS. It is another
pruritus treatment.
Cyproheptadine
used to treat pruritus.
Unknown mechanism
Medications
SEROTONIN/NOREPI
NEPHRINE
REUPTAKE
INHIBITORS
The inhibitors block the
active reuptake of
norepinephirne and
serotonin.
Have central and
peripheral anticholingeric
and sedative effects.
Amitriptyline is
commonly used to
relieve pruritus and
dysesthesias.
It is most effective for
chronic neurologic
symptoms.
Blocks Na+ channels
that were activated by
the ciguatoxinn
Medications
ANALGESICS
Used for pain relief
Acetaminophen and
Indomethacin (Indocin)
used to relieve myalgias
and arthralgias.
DIURETICS,
OSMOTICS
These medications treat
Mannitol
Previously, Mannitol was
Mannitol is administered
Mannitol
The exact mechanism is
unknown, but it is
thought to be mediated
by the osmotic
reduction of neuronal
edema caused by the
increase of sodium and
ultimate depolarization
of the nerve cell.
Prognosis
In almost all cases, the
Prognosis
Increased sensitivity to
Prevention
Home products are
Prevention
Knowledge is your best prevention.
The next best preventative
+CFP
Discussion
There is a need for protection of aquatic habitats so
Discussion
Questions remain:
If other toxins can be used in a
Discussion
Is this toxin produced as a defense
Summary
G. toxicus emerges from
disrupted ocean beds and
reefs, concluding that
oceanic ecosystem
destruction causes harm to
animals and humans via
dispersal of toxin.
When herbivore fish ingest
G. toxicus they accumulate
in organs and tissues as well
as in the next predator fish
that consumes them.
Humans are ailed with
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
upon ingestion of infected
fish.
Videos
Watch interviews on CFP encounters/symptoms.
(8mins)
YouTube - Ciguatera Interviews
Other video on CFP testing if interested (10mins):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbdEBUiXKV0
References