Marine Biotoxins of Algal Origin and Seafood Safety

Harmful algal blooms occur with the unchecked proliferation of algae in the marine environment, which oftentimes results in the production of hazardous marine biotoxins. Marine biotoxins are produced by several dinoflagellate and diatom species (e.g., Alexandrium, Gymnodinium, Gonyaulax, Pyrodinium, Protogonyaulax, Dinophysis, Prorocentrum spp., and Pseudonitzchia spp.). Significant human health effects have been reported after exposure to these toxins, including disease syndromes such as Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP), Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP), Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP), and Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP). Of more recent interest has been the emergence of newly discovered toxic dinoflagellates caused in part by the increase in human and environmental interactions along coastal waters. Most notably, Pfiesteria piscicida and Pfiesteria-like organisms have been associated with numerous fish kills and have stimulated public concern over the potential threat these organisms may have on human health and seafood safety. This paper reviews the current literature on marine biotoxins of algal origin, with particular attention to public health issues associated with seafood safety.