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Vertebrates , Puffer fish poisoning

المؤلف:  Sue Jickells , Adam Negrusz (Editors)

المصدر:  Clarkes Analytical Forensic Toxicology

الجزء والصفحة:  p126-127

2026-10-01

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Vertebrates

Puffer fish poisoning

 Puffer fish poisoning (PFP), or tetrodotoxin (TTX) (Fig 1) intoxication, causes gastroenteritis with severe neurological manifestations similar to those of PSP or saxitoxin intoxication. TTX intoxication constitutes a public health problem in subtropical and tropical regions. It is not limited to Japan, where consumption of Fugu – a local puffer fish – is popular. Fugu is harmless if prepared by a qualified chef who discards the organs in which TTX accumulates the ovaries, roe, liver, intestines and skin. TTX can also be found in Tetraodontiformes, but these can usually be distinguished by their peculiar morphology and their ability to inflate themselves when in danger. TTX is produced by bacteria which colonise the gut and skin mucosal layers of the fish. The toxin is sequestered in the gonads and the liver of fish and, in some species, in muscle. Other marine organisms, like the Japanese ivory shell, the trumpet shell and the blue-ringed octopus, may also contain TTX. The toxin is also found in the skin of certain frogs.

TTX is one of the most potent of the natural toxins; the lethal ingested dose for humans is 5–30 mg/kg wet tissue. The symptoms of TTX poisoning are comparable to those of PSP (see above), except for marked hypotension, and are apparent within 5–30 minutes after consumption. They include gastroenteric effects, paraes thesias, motor paralysis, hypotension and respiratory paralysis. In Japan the mortality rate is reported to be about 60%. Therapy consists of supportive measures, such as artificial ventilation and management of hypotension. Bioassays for PSP and PFP have been reported. In addition, an HPLC method with fluorimetric detection has been described (Yotsu et al. 1989) for measure ment of TTX and its analogues in puffer fish liver. A test kit for TTX has been developed and is currently undergoing testing in the US by the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in association with the Food and Drug Administration to evaluate its applicability for testing for the rapid detection of adulteration of food.

Figure 1 Tetrodotoxin.