Domoic acid

Domoic acid is a naturally occurring toxin that is produced by certain types of algae. It can accumulate in shellfish, anchovies, and sardines that feed on the algae. Consumption of affected species can lead to amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), a severe illness in humans.

Overview

Domoic acid is a neurotoxin that primarily affects the brain and can cause serious health effects in humans and wildlife. It is produced by the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia and other related species of algae. The toxin can accumulate in marine organisms that feed on these algae, such as shellfish, anchovies, and sardines.

Health Effects

In humans, the consumption of seafood contaminated with domoic acid can lead to amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). Symptoms of ASP can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, dizziness, confusion, disorientation, loss of short-term memory, motor weakness, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, coma, and possibly death.

Prevention and Control

Monitoring programs are in place in many areas to test shellfish and other seafood for the presence of domoic acid. When levels of the toxin are found to be above safe limits, shellfish harvesting areas may be closed, and advisories may be issued to the public to avoid consuming certain types of seafood.

See Also

• Amnesic shellfish poisoning
• Neurotoxin
• Pseudo-nitzschia