Scombroid food poisoning
1660874
224201841
2008-07-07T19:56:12Z
64.105.202.242
/* Causes */
{{Infobox_Disease |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Image = Histamine.png |
Caption = [[Histamine]] |
DiseasesDB = 31114 |
ICD10 = {{ICD10|T|61|1|t|51}} |
ICD9 = {{ICD9|988.0}} |
ICDO = |
OMIM = |
MedlinePlus = |
eMedicineSubj = emerg |
eMedicineTopic = 523 |
MeshID = |
}}
'''[[Scombridae|Scombroid]] food poisoning''' is a foodborne [[illness]] that results from eating spoiled (decayed) [[fish]]. It is the second most common type of seafood poisoning, second only to [[ciguatera]]. However it is often missed because it resembles an allergic reaction. It is most commonly reported with [[tuna]], [[mahi-mahi]], [[bonito]], [[sardine]]s, [[anchovies]], and related species of fish that were inadequately refrigerated or preserved after being caught. Scombroid can result from inappropriate handling of fish during storage or processing. One of the toxic agents implicated in scombroid poisoning is a chemical called [[histamine]]. Other chemicals have been found in decaying fish flesh, but their association to scombroid fish poisoning has not been clearly established.
==Causes==
Unlike many types of food poisonings, this form is not produced by an organism or virus. [[Histidine]] exists naturally on many types of fish, and at temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit it is converted to the biogenic amine [[histamine]] via the enzyme [[histidine decarboxylase]] produced by ''Morganella morganii'' (this is one reason why fish should be stored at low temperatures). Histamine is not destroyed by normal cooking temperatures, so even properly cooked fish can be affected. Histamine is a mediator of allergic reactions, so the symptoms produced are those one would expect to see in severe allergic responses.
The suspect toxin is an elevated level of [[histamine]] generated by bacterial breakdown of [[histidine]] in the muscle protein through elevated production of the enzyme [[histidine decarboxylase]]. This natural spoilage process is thought to release additional by-products, which cause the toxic effect. Freezing, cooking, smoking, cussing, curing and/or canning do not destroy the potential toxins.
== Symptoms ==
Symptoms consist of skin flushing, throbbing headache, oral burning, abdominal cramps, [[nausea]], [[diarrhea]], [[palpitations]], a sense of unease, and, rarely [[prostration]] or loss of vision. Symptoms usually occur within 10-30 minutes of ingesting the fish and generally are self-limited. Physical signs may include a diffuse blanching [[erythema]], [[tachycardia]], wheezing, and [[hypotension]] or [[hypertension]]. People with asthma are more vulnerable to respiratory problems such as [[wheezing]] or [[bronchospasm]]s.
Symptoms of poisoning can show within just minutes, and up to two hours, following consumption of a spoiled dish. Symptoms usually last for approximately four to six hours and rarely exceed one to two days.
=== Initial ===
The first signs of poisoning suggest an [[allergy|allergic reaction]] with the following symptoms:
* facial flushing/sweating
* burning-peppery taste sensations in the mouth and throat
* dizziness
* nausea
* headache
* tachycardia
=== Additional Symptoms ===
The above symptoms can advance to the following:
* facial [[rash]]
* [[hives]]
* [[edema]]
* short-term [[diarrhea]]
* abdominal [[cramps]].
=== Severe ===
In the worst cases, the poisoning may:
* blur vision
* cause respiratory stress
* cause swelling of the tongue
== Treatment ==
Treatment is in the form of supportive care such as fluids and oxygen. H1 and H2 receptor ([[histamine receptor]]s) blocking medications can also be given with some success.
==External links==
* [http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC3662.htm Overview] at [[Clemson University]]
* [http://seafood.ucdavis.edu/haccp/compendium/Chapt27.htm Seafood Network Information Center]
* {{DermNet|reactions/scombroid}}
{{Poisoning and toxicity}}
[[Category:Foodborne illnesses]]
[[Category:Toxicology]]
[[pl:Scombrotoksizm]]