Catches of near-shore or coastal fish continue to be a major source of animal protein for the nations of the South Pacific region. Nominal landings of near-shore fishes amount to about 90,000 t/yr, about half of which is reef fish. Ciguatoxic fishes are found throughout much of the region but in some locations, such as the island of Niutao in Tuvalu, there is a comparatively high risk of intoxi...

OBJECTIVES To investigate an unusual outbreak of tetrodotoxin poisoning in Leizhou, southeast China, a case series analysis was conducted to identify the source of illness. METHODS A total of 22 individuals experienced symptoms of poisoning, including tongue numbness, dizziness, nausea and limb numbness and weakness. Two toxic species, Amoya caninus and Yongeichthys nebulosus, were morphologi...

OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical features and prognosis of patients suffering from fish bile poisoning. METHODS A total of 156 multiple organ failure (MOF) patients caused by fish bile poisoning were hospitalized in our department over the past 28 years. The patients' symptoms, examination results, treatment and outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS All patients' first symptom was ...

In the U.S, the two major toxic syndromes caused by harmful algal blooms (HABs) that are found along the entire west coast are paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and domoic acid poisoning (DAP), also known as amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). Certain species of phytoplankton from the genus Pseudo-nitzschia, and the genus Alexandrium are concentrated by filter-feeding shellfish and finfish whi...

Chronic mercury poisoning is becoming a health concern because of extensive pollution of water and fish, and the increasing consumption of fish in the human diet. Mercury is extremely toxic to the body, especially the central nervous system, but diagnosis is difficult because of the lack of specific signs. A total of 11 patients were observed to have a nonpruritic or mildly pruritic discreet pa...

Fish is a valuable source of nutrition, and many people would benefit from eating fish regularly. But some people eat a lot of fish, every day or several meals per week, and thus can run a significant risk of overexposure to methylmercury. Current advice regarding methylmercury from fish consumption is targeted to protect the developing brain and nervous system but adverse health effects are in...