Abstract
Ciguatera poisoning (CP) is a foodborne disease caused by the consumption of seafood contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs) produced by dinoflagellates in the genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa. The toxin production and toxin profiles were explored in four clones of G. polynesiensis originating from different islands in French Polynesia with contrasted CP risk: RIK7 (Mangareva, Gambier), NHA4 (Nuku Hiva, Marquesas), RAI-1 (Raivavae, Australes), and RG92 (Rangiroa, Tuamotu). Productions of CTXs, maitotoxins (MTXs), and gambierone group analogs were examined at exponential and stationary growth phases using the neuroblastoma cell-based assay and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. While none of the strains was found to produce known MTX compounds, all strains showed high overall P-CTX production ranging from 1.1 ± 0.1 to 4.6 ± 0.7 pg cell−1. In total, nine P-CTX analogs were detected, depending on strain and growth phase. The production of gambierone, as well as 44-methylgamberione, was also confirmed in G. polynesiensis. This study highlighted: (i) intraspecific variations in toxin production and profiles between clones from distinct geographic origins and (ii) the noticeable increase in toxin production of both CTXs, in particular CTX4A/B, and gambierone group analogs from the exponential to the stationary phase.
Highlights
Ciguatera poisoning (CP) is a common seafood intoxication mainly found in tropical to subtropical coral reef areas
CP cases occur after the consumption of seafood contaminated with toxins known as ciguatoxins (CTXs) that are produced by dinoflagellates in the genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa
The effective concentration reducing 50% of cell viability (EC50) and the overall composite toxicity were estimated at both growth phases for each G. polynesiensis clone showing no significant difference between exponential vs. stationary growth phase regardless of the clone (Table 2)
Summary
Ciguatera poisoning (CP) is a common seafood intoxication mainly found in tropical to subtropical coral reef areas. Toxins 2019, 11, 735 predominate in the Pacific region, whereas gastrointestinal symptoms seem to prevail in the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean, with the report of additional mental status alterations in this latter region [5,6,7]. These regional differences in symptom patterns have been attributed to the presence of different suites of CTXs in different geographic regions [6,8], the occurrence of different Gambierdiscus/Fukuyoa species/strains depending on the region [9], or the presence of other co-occurring toxins in contaminated marine products [10]. Highest incidence rates of CP are consistently reported from the Pacific Island
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
