Synonyms:
Ciguatoxin poisoning
Category:
Foodborne--Intoxication
Agent Type:
Toxin
Acuity:
Acute-Moderate
Latency/Incubation:
GI symptoms: 2-6 hrs; Neuro: 3 hrs; Heart: 2-5 days; [Foodborne Illnesses.
MMWR. April 16, 2004]
Initial
Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, paresthesias, bradycardia,
headache, myalgia, pain and weakness in the lower extremities;
Comments:
Symptoms of ciguatera fish poisoning begin within an hour of eating and
include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, paresthesias, pain and weakness
of the lower extremities, and bradycardia. Distortion of temperature
sensation, bizarre tastes, and "aching teeth" are frequently
reported. Complete recovery within a few weeks is the usual course. Severe
cases with coma and respiratory arrest within 24 hours of ingestion have
been reported. [CCDM, p. 218-9] Other symptoms may include pruritis,
headache, myalgia, reversal of hot/cold sensations, and facial pain. [Merck
Manual, p. 2665] Heart abnormalities include bradycardia, hypotension, T
wave abnormalities on EKG. Toxin most commonly found in large reef fish
(grouper, red snapper, amberjack, and barracuda). [Foodborne Illnesses. MMWR.
4/16/04] Other findings are aphonia, fatigue, tremor, ataxia, vertigo, and
arthralgias. [Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 2004. MerckMedicus]
Diagnostic:
Clinical; Radioassay for toxin in fish;
Scope: Where
reef fish are eaten: S. Florida, Caribbean, Australia, Hawaii, and S.
Pacific islands; [CCDM, p. 218]
General
Symptoms: arthralgia; dizziness; fatigue; myalgia; sweating, excessive;
Other Signs
& Symptoms: bradycardia; abdominal pain; diarrhea; nausea, vomiting;
limb pain; headache; incoordination; paresthesia; speech, impaired; tremor;
weakness;
Complications:
cranial neuropathy; shock; stupor and coma;
Common
Syndromes: Acute GI Symptoms, No Fever; Acute Neurological, No Fever
Antimicrobic:
No
Vaccine: No
Entry:
Ingest; Tissue
Source:
Food; Fish;
Reservoir:
Fish;
