Ingestion of Aquatic Venomous Animals: Toxinology, Clinical Aspects, and Treatment

Abstract

The earliest records of human poisoning after the consumption of mussels were made in California in 1927: Sommer et al. reported the first cases of poisoning and death of mussel consumers with the presence in seawater of the microalgae. It was soon noticed that when there were dinoflagellates close to the mussels, poisoning occurred in consumers. There are annual outbreaks of poisoning caused by microalgae and dinoflagellates in many countries (in the USA: 30-50 cases per year). These outbreaks are concentrated during the warm months because the heat induces the proliferation of dinoflagellates.