Perkins, Joseph C., Zenger, Kyall R., Liu, Yang, and Strugnell, Jan M. (2024) Ciguatera poisoning: A review of the ecology and detection methods for Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa species. Harmful Algae, 139. 102735.

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Abstract

Ciguatera poisoning is the most prevalent non-bacterial seafood illness globally, with an estimated 10,000 to 50,000 human cases reported annually. While most symptoms are generally mild, some cases can result in severe and long-lasting neurological and psychological damage, and in some instances, even death. The known causative agents of ciguatera poisoning are benthic toxic dinoflagellate species belonging to the genera Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa. These species produce highly potent ciguatoxins that bioaccumulate through the marine food chain, eventually reaching humans through seafood consumption. Although Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa species are widespread in tropical waters worldwide, the full extent of their distribution remains uncertain. This review provides a detailed examination of the ecological dynamics of these dinoflagellates and explores the diverse range of detection methods used to monitor them. These include a focus on molecular techniques for detection, alongside morphological methods, emerging technologies, and a toxin detection overview. Additionally, we offer recommendations on how the field can advance, highlighting novel solutions and next steps for improving detection and monitoring practices. By assessing the strengths and limitations of current approaches and proposing directions for future research, this review aims to support efforts in better understanding and mitigating the risk of ciguatera poisoning.

Item ID:	85388
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1878-1470
Copyright Information:	© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ).
Date Deposited:	07 May 2025 02:57
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410402 Environmental assessment and monitoring @ 100%
SEO Codes:	28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280111 Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences @ 100%
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