Abstract
Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) occurs mainly when humans ingest finfish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). The complexity and variability of such toxins have made it difficult to develop reliable methods to routinely monitor CFP with specificity and sensitivity. This review aims to describe the methodologies available for CTX detection, including those based on the toxicological, biochemical, chemical, and pharmaceutical properties of CTXs. Selecting any of these methodological approaches for routine monitoring of ciguatera may be dependent upon the applicability of the method. However, identifying a reference validation method for CTXs is a critical and urgent issue, and is dependent upon the availability of certified CTX standards and the coordinated action of laboratories. Reports of CFP cases in European hospitals have been described in several countries, and are mostly due to travel to CFP endemic areas. Additionally, the recent detection of the CTX-producing tropical genus Gambierdiscus in the eastern Atlantic Ocean of the northern hemisphere and in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the confirmation of CFP in the Canary Islands and possibly in Madeira, constitute other reasons to study the onset of CFP in Europe [1]. The question of the possible contribution of climate change to the distribution of toxin-producing microalgae and ciguateric fish is raised. The impact of ciguatera onset on European Union (EU) policies will be discussed with respect to EU regulations on marine toxins in seafood. Critical analysis and availability of methodologies for CTX determination is required for a rapid response to suspected CFP cases and to conduct sound CFP risk analysis.
Highlights
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) is a human intoxication caused by the consumption of fish that contain ciguatoxins (CTXs) [2]
This study suggests a model that contrasts the simple link between sea surface temperature increments with occurrence of Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), sea surface conditions need to be favorable long enough to generate enough load of ciguatoxins in ecosystems for occurrence of CFP in human populations
Several factors may be responsible for the present situation: (i) lack of certified standards and reference material, (ii) lack of a coordinated action among laboratories, and (iii) frame of applicability of the method
Summary
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) is a human intoxication caused by the consumption of fish that contain ciguatoxins (CTXs) [2]. The geographical distribution of CFP occurrence is mainly limited to tropical and subtropical areas. CFP is found endemically within the western Atlantic Ocean (including the Caribbean Sea), in the Indian Ocean, and in the Pacific [3]. Symptoms of the intoxication are used to diagnose and distinguish CFP from other seafood intoxications. The confirmation of cases of CFP relies upon the detection of CTXs in the remaining meal or within the plasma of patients [4]. It is important to have adequate CTX quantification methods to diagnose CFP cases and to prevent intoxications through the analysis of consumable fish
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