Chapter 2 The Microworld Instructor Notes All of the illnesses related to seafood toxins will be covered in this slideshow.

Major Foodborne Illnesses from Fish Toxins Fish Toxin Illnesses Scombroid poisoning Ciguatera fish poisoning Instructor Notes Some fish toxins are a natural part of the fish. Others are made by pathogens on it. Some fish become contaminated when they eat smaller fish that have eaten a toxin. These toxins can’t be smelled or tasted. They also can’t be destroyed by freezing or cooking once they form in food. Scombroid poisoning and ciguatera fish poisoning are two major foodborne illnesses caused by fish toxins. For each illness, you must understand the common source, food commonly linked with it, most common symptoms, and most important prevention measures. Purchasing from approved, reputable suppliers is the most important prevention measure for these illnesses.

Scombroid Poisoning Illness: Scombroid poisoning Toxin: Histamine Commonly Linked Food Most Common Symptoms Tuna Initially Bonito Burning/tingling in mouth or throat Mackerel Reddening of the face and neck Mahi mahi Sweating Headache Possibly later Diarrhea Vomiting Instructor Notes The illness is pronounced: SKOM-broyd. The toxin is pronounced: HISS-ta-meen. Scombroid poisoning is also known as histamine poisoning. It is an illness caused by eating high levels of histamine in scombroid and other species of fish. When the fish are time-temperature abused, bacteria on the fish make the toxin. It cannot be destroyed by freezing, cooking, smoking, or curing.

Preventing Scombroid Poisoning Most Important Prevention Measure Purchase from approved, reputable suppliers Other Prevention Measures Prevent time-temperature abuse during storage and preparation

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Illness: Ciguatera fish poisoning Toxin: Ciguatoxin Commonly Linked Food Most Common Symptoms Predatory tropical reef fish from Pacific Ocean, Western Indian Ocean, and Caribbean Sea: Reversal of hot and cold sensations Barracuda Grouper Nausea Jacks Snapper Vomiting Tingling in fingers, lips, toes Joint and muscle pain Instructor Notes The illness is pronounced: SIG-wa-TAIR-uh. The toxin is pronounced: SIG-wa-TOX-in. Ciguatoxin is found in certain marine algae. The toxin builds up in certain fish when they eat smaller fish that have eaten the toxic algae. Ciguatoxin cannot be detected by smell or taste. Cooking or freezing the fish will not eliminate it. Symptoms may last months or years depending on how severe the illness is.

Preventing Ciguatera Fish Poisoning Most Important Prevention Measure Purchase predatory tropical reef fish from approved, reputable suppliers

Major Foodborne Illnesses from Shellfish Toxins Shellfish Toxin Illnesses Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) Instructor Notes Shellfish can be contaminated when they eat marine algae that have a toxin. These toxins can’t be smelled or tasted. They also can’t be destroyed by freezing or cooking once they form in food.

Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Illness: Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) Toxin: Saxitoxin Commonly Linked Food Most Common Symptoms Shellfish found in colder waters such as those of the Pacific and New England coasts: Numbness Clams Mussels Tingling in mouth, face, arms, legs Oysters Scallops Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Instructor Notes The illness is pronounced: PAIR-ah-LIT-ik. The toxin is pronounced: SAX-ih-TOX-in. Some types of shellfish can become contaminated as they filter toxic algae from the water. People get sick with paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) when they eat these shellfish. Saxitoxin cannot be smelled or tasted. It is not destroyed by cooking or freezing. Death from paralysis may result if high levels of the toxin are eaten.

Preventing Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Most Important Prevention Measure Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers

Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP) Illness: Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) Toxin: Brevetoxin Commonly Linked Food Most Common Symptoms Shellfish in warmer waters of west coast of Florida, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea: Tingling and numbness in lips, tongue, throat Clams Dizziness Mussels Reversal of hot and cold sensations Oysters Vomiting Diarrhea Instructor Notes The illness is pronounced: NUR-o-TOX-ik. The toxin is pronounced: BREV-ih-TOX-in. Some types of shellfish can become contaminated as they filter toxic algae from the water. People get sick with neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) when they eat these shellfish. Brevetoxin cannot be smelled or tasted. It is not destroyed by cooking or freezing.

Preventing Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP) Most Important Prevention Measure Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers

Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) Illness: Amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) Toxin: Domoic acid Commonly Linked Food Most Common Symptoms Shellfish found in coastal waters of Pacific Northwest and east coast of Canada: Initially Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain Clams Mussels Oysters Scallops Possibly later Confusion Memory loss Disorientation Seizure Coma Instructor Notes The illness is pronounced: am-NEE-zik. The toxin is pronounced: duh-MO-ik. Some types of shellfish can become contaminated as they filter toxic algae from the water. People get sick with amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) when they eat these shellfish. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of toxin eaten and the health of the person. Domoic acid cannot be smelled or tasted. It is not destroyed by cooking or freezing.

Preventing Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) Most Important Prevention Measure Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers