Ciguatera fish poisoning

N Z Med J. 2016 Oct 28;129(1444):111-114.

Abstract

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is the most common cause of seafood-toxin poisoning in the world and is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. It causes gastroenteritis but also myriad neurological and cardiovascular symptoms. We present a cluster of CFP that occurred in Wellington Hospital, New Zealand. It resulted in three patients with life threatening cardiotoxicity and a fourth case with severe gastro-intestinal symptoms. The epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and public health issues are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ciguatera Poisoning / diagnosis
  • Ciguatera Poisoning / drug therapy
  • Ciguatera Poisoning / epidemiology*
  • Ciguatoxins / analysis*
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control*
  • Diuretics, Osmotic / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Gastroenteritis / epidemiology*
  • Gastroenteritis / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mannitol / administration & dosage
  • Middle Aged
  • New Zealand / epidemiology
  • Public Health / standards

Substances

  • Diuretics, Osmotic
  • Ciguatoxins
  • Mannitol