Paralytic shellfish poisoning 2769944 224409875 2008-07-08T18:53:01Z Bosco911 2976963 '''Paralytic shellfish poisoning''' (PSP) is one of the four recognized syndromes of [[shellfish poisoning]] (the others being [[neurotoxic shellfish poisoning]], [[diarrhetic shellfish poisoning]] and [[amnesic shellfish poisoning]]). All four syndromes share some common features and are primarily associated with [[Bivalvia|bivalve molluscs]] (such as [[mussel]]s, [[clam]]s, [[oyster]]s and [[scallop]]s). These shellfish are [[filter feeder]]s and, therefore, accumulate [[toxin]]s produced by microscopic [[alga]]e, such as [[dinoflagellate]]s and [[diatom]]s, and [[cyanobacteria]]. === Pathophysiology === The toxins responsible for most shellfish poisonings are water-soluble, heat and acid-stable, and are not inactivated by ordinary cooking methods. The main toxin responsible for PSP is principally [[saxitoxin]], but in their bodies. Most shellfish only store this toxin for six weeks after a red tide passes, but some such as [[butterclam]]s are known to store the toxin for up to two years. PSP can be fatal in extreme cases (particularly in those who are already immuno-suppressed). Children are more susceptible. PSP affects those who come into contact with the affected shellfish by ingestion. Ten to thirty minutes after ingestion, symptoms can include [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[diarrhea]], abdominal pain, and tingling or burning lips, gums, tongue, face, neck, arms, legs, and toes. Shortness of breath, dry mouth, a choking feeling, confused or slurred speech, and lack of coordination are also possible. == See also == * [[Harmful algal bloom]] * [[Cyanotoxin]] * [[Algal bloom]] (see "toxic chemicals" in paragraph 3) * [[Ciguatera]] * [[Dinoflagellate]] (see "neurotoxins" and "red tide" under [[dinoflagellate#Ecology and fossils|Ecology and fossils]] and see "phosphate" under [[dinoflagellate#Cautions|Cautions]]) * [[Red tide]] == External links == * [http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic528.htm Toxicity, Shellfish] {{Poisoning and toxicity}} [[Category:Seafood]] [[Category:Medical emergencies]] [[Category:Foodborne illnesses]] [[zh:麻痺性貝類中毒]]