Detection of diarrheal shellfish toxins

Abstract

Seafood poisoning outbreaks are often caused by biotoxins generated by harmful algal blooms. Shellfish toxins, mainly derived from phytoplankton, cause diarrhea and poisoning in humans who consume contaminated seafood. Many studies suggest that diarrheal shellfish toxins cause functional changes in various cells. In order to protect shellfish products, it is becoming increasingly important to remove these contaminants from the ocean. Public attention plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of acute intoxication caused by contaminated seafood. Monitoring algal toxins is the best way to ensure that seafood is safe and clean. In order to attain these objectives, a variety of technologies were developed and constructed for the purpose of detecting and decontaminating algal toxins in aquatic environments. A review of the current literature regarding the detection and detoxification of diarrheal shellfish toxins is presented in this article.

Keywords

• diarrheal shellfish toxins
• detection
• okadaic acid