Abstract

Globally, ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is the principal cause of non-bacterial illness associated with seafood consumption. The toxins (ciguatoxins) responsible for CFP are produced by dinoflagellates in the genus Gambierdiscus, which are endemic to tropical and sub-tropical areas. Ciguatoxins are lipophilic and bioaccumulate in marine food webs, typically reaching their highest concentrations in large, carnivorous fish. While rarely fatal, CFP can cause a multitude of gastrointestinal, neurological and cardiovascular symptoms that can persist for days, months or years. There is no cure for CFP, however promising research that may provide treatment options is underway. Currently all CFP treatments are simply supportive therapy for relieving the symptoms. CFP is prevalent throughout the Caribbean, although reports of incidences are scattered. The fact that CFP reporting has been inconsistent in many areas makes it difficult to accurately analyze the spatial and temporal variation in CFP occurrence. In general, CFP in the Caribbean has been managed through traditional knowledge of local fishers and residents. However, because Gambierdiscus abundance and water temperatures are positively correlated, there is concern that increasing seawater temperatures may increase the range of Gambierdiscus and incidences of CFP. With this concern and the resurgence of interest in CFP in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico prompted by the potential of commercial harvests of invasive lionfish, it is imperative that we understand the capabilities of new detection and monitoring techniques as well as the food handling and liability issues.

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