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6.4.3. Tetrodotoxin / pufferfish poisoning
6.4.3. Tetrodotoxin / pufferfish poisoning
Causes neurological symptoms similar to PSP – tingling in lips and extremities, paralysis and death by respiratory arrest and/ or cardiovascular collapse. Mortality rate is high. Cardiovascular effects are more severe than PSP with high death rates.
- Puffer fish poisoning is caused due to the consumption of puffer fish (tetradon fish or fugu) which have toxic tissues or organs.
- Pufferfish toxin is thought to be produced by the symbiont bacteria (Pseudomonas) associated with the fish.
- Tetradotoxin is chemically aminoperhydroquinazoline which is similar to saxitoxin of PSP and cause symptoms similar to PSP but of varying degree.
- Only certain species of puffer fish are toxic and toxin is restricted to the skin, liver, viscera, gonads, intestine and muscle.
- Since the fugue is a delicacy in Japan, most cases of intoxication are reported from Japan with instances of death.
Causes neurological symptoms similar to PSP – tingling in lips and extremities, paralysis and death by respiratory arrest and/ or cardiovascular collapse. Mortality rate is high. Cardiovascular effects are more severe than PSP with high death rates.
Last modified: Monday, 30 May 2011, 10:07 AM