Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)
No cases of PSP have been reported in the Gulf of Mexico, but cases have been reported from the east coast of Florida.
Algal Species (found in the Gulf of Mexico) that Cause PSP
No PSP-causing species have been verified in the Gulf of Mexico, although suspected cysts of Gymnodinium catenatum cysts have been observed. PSP has been reported from the east coast of Florida in association with the consumption of toxic puffer fish. The toxin, identified as saxitoxin, is produced by the dinoflagellate Pyrodinium bahamense.
Toxins
Saxitoxin and derivatives
Human Symptoms/Illnesses
Symptoms appear within 30 minutes–3.5 hours; disappear within a few days
Factors Affecting Degree of Toxicity
Amount of toxin ingested
Rate of toxin elimination
Transformation of toxins
Health of victim
Note: No lasting effects of poison
Diagnosis
Consumption of seafood before sickness
No specific lab test for PSP
Can examine food specimen
Problem: similar symptoms from some ingested pesticides
Symptoms
Paresthesia (abnormal tingling or burning of the skin or extremities)
Numbness/burning around mouth and fingertips
Ataxia (loss of muscular coordination)
Giddiness/staggering
Drowsiness
Dry throat and skin
Aphasia (loss of speech or speech comprehension)
Incoherence
Rash
Fever
Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
Severe Case Symptoms
Respiratory paralysis; death within 24 hours
Seafood Associated with PSP
Clams
Scallops
Mussels
Oysters
Some coral reef gastropods and crabs
Lobster tomalley (hepatopancreas)
Puffer fish (Florida east coast, Far East, Philippines)
PSP Cases in the U.S.
Alaska
California
Florida (east coast)
Maine
Massachusetts
Oregon
Tennessee (seafood from elsewhere)
Washington
PSP Cases in the Gulf of Mexico
None reported
