Ciguatera Fish Poisoning, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

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Chapters

0:00 Introduction
0:41 Causes of Ciguatera fish poisoning
2:09 Symptoms of Ciguatera fish poisoning
3:39 Diagnosis of Ciguatera fish poisoning
4:01 Treatment of Ciguatera fish poisoning

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), also known simply as ciguatera, is a foodborne illness caused by eating reef fish whose flesh is contaminated with certain toxins.[2] Such individual fish are said to be ciguatoxic. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, numbness, itchiness, sensitivity to hot and cold, dizziness, and weakness.[1][2] The onset of symptoms varies with the amount of toxin eaten from half an hour to up to two days.[3] The diarrhea may last for up to four days.[1] Some symptoms typically remain for a few weeks to months.[3] Heart difficulties such as slow heart rate and low blood pressure may also occur.[2]

The specific toxins involved are ciguatoxin and maitotoxin.[2] They are originally made by a small marine organism, Gambierdiscus toxicus, that grows on and around coral reefs in tropical and subtropical waters.[2] These are eaten by herbivorous fish which in turn are eaten by larger carnivorous fish.[2] The toxins become more concentrated as they move up the food chain.[3] The fish most often implicated include barracuda, grouper, moray eel, amberjack, sea bass, and sturgeon.[2] Diagnosis is based on a person's symptoms together with having recently eaten fish.[1] If a number of those who eat the same fish develop symptoms the diagnosis becomes more likely.[1] If some of the fish they had previously eaten is available this can also be tested to confirm the diagnosis.[1]

Preventive efforts include not eating reef fish, not eating high-risk fish such as barracuda, and not eating fish liver, roe, or fish heads.[2] Ciguatoxin has no taste or smell, and cannot be destroyed by conventional cooking.[2] There is no specific treatment for ciguatera fish poisoning once it occurs.[2] Mannitol may be considered, but the evidence supporting its use is not very strong.[1] Gabapentin or amitriptyline may be used to treat some of the symptoms.[2]

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that around 50,000 cases occur globally each year.[2] Other estimates suggest up to 500,000 cases per year.[1] It is the most frequent seafood poisoning.[3] It occurs most commonly in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea between the latitudes of 35°N and 35°S.[2] The risk of the condition appears to be increasing due to coral reef deterioration and increasing trade in seafood.[2] The risk of death from poisoning is less than 1 in 1,000.[2] Descriptions of the condition date back to at least 1511.[3] The current name, introduced in 1787, is of Cuban Spanish origin and originally referred to the univalve mollusc Cittarium pica.[3]

[lynmichellebailado]

This is very helpful especially to my upcoming board exam. I was a little confuse about the toxins but i was inlighten through this video thanks a lot.

[nkenny]

I recently just went through this and it was very frightening. I couldn’t explain to my family what was occurring to me. I felt like I was about to pass out and was seeing and feeling horrible things. Time, water, and Pepto-bismol was the key.

[ct]

An old Taino Indian trick: Leave the fish out for an hour or so in the shade. If flies refused to land on it, its bad. Chuck it.

[edu]

Im going thru it right now…. Fist night was awful but im slowly but steadily improving

[richardofutuasella]

this info must be taught at biologic class.

[kyledixon]

At the end they do not eat certain parts of SMALL reef fish !! It’s the large ones that contain the high /toxic levels!

[JonathanRosenberg-ctwy]

I'm currently experiencing Ciguatera Fish Poisoning. If anyone here has had it before, would love to connect and discuss.

[JAW]

Had it in Bahamas after ordering barracuda at a local fish fry. Fun times.

[RandomStranger-qzfy]

I came here because a relative of mine passed away due to ciguatera poisoning but I just don't understand how they passed away when it is a low risk of death. Does age play a part in it as well?

[kittikatkat]

thanks for making this video, i suddenly remember my friend whom avoiding fish since he was a kid. he felt all of this symptoms and i didn't believe it, i laughed at it. i couldn't believe a fish is the main cause of his condition, because i really love to eat fish.

[Patbwoy]

That got me thinking! So if you're stranded on a desert tropical island, the most obvious thing would be to catch fish, but it could actually kill you instead of feeding you! Bummer :(

[the_cowrobloxs]

Can anyone give me good news that they got through this poison. One week in and no improvement on the neurological symptoms or fatigue.

[kyledixon]

Sorry they say do not eat certain parts of small reef fish

[nathantrombley]

Barracuda tastes good, but it scare me sometimes

[raython]

The fish head is the best part though 😢

[FEWGEE]

I ate some bad fish about an hour ago. Ate a few bites before I noticed the stench and threw it in the bin.

I'm beginning to feel dizzy and floaty, and my face and body is tingling.

This is extremely scary!!

[creenation]

Main reason that i Avoid fish!!..

- Worms
- Parasites
& other complications.