Tetrodotoxin Toxicity

Excerpt

Tetrodotoxin is a neurotoxin found in marine animals, most commonly the pufferfish, but can also be found in some terrestrial animal species. The pufferfish is the most common animal species containing tetrodotoxin, with over 20 pufferfish able to produce it. There are 26 known naturally occurring analogs.

As a toxin, tetrodotoxin is known for its poisonous properties, but the animals that produce it have genetic mutations that make them immune to these effects. The toxin is known to cause perioral numbness in consumers of pufferfish sushi, known in Japan as fugu. Due to heat stability, cooking does not destroy the toxin. By blocking sodium channels, the toxin paralyzes humans who consume it, rendering immediate complications if not promptly recognized.

Tetrodotoxin toxicity is most likely to occur in areas where tetrodotoxin-containing animals are located, particularly seafood. Less commonly, improperly prepared food may lead to poisoning in areas where tetrodotoxin is not typically found. No known antidote exists. There is also no definitive treatment, so identifying the symptoms and signs is critical to ensuring that fatal sequelae do not ensue.