MARINE TOXINS AND VENOMOUS AND POISONOUS MARINE ~ A L S 303
usually minimal immediately following the injury but may develop
6-12 h later. Localized pruritus sometimes occurs over the edematous
area. " Light-headedness " of several hours duration was reported in
both cases observed by us ; there were no other systemic symptoms or
signs in these two cases. The wounds healed slowly.
In the case reported by Flecker and Cotton (1955), the patient
complained of dryness in the mouth and difficulty in breathing following the bite, but no localized or generalized pain. Subsequently,
breathing became more labored, swallowing became difEcult and the
patient began to vomit. Severe respiratory distress and cyanosis
developed, and the victim expired. The findings at autopsy were
negative.
3. ShellJish poisoning
Three types of shellfish poisoning are recognized. Gastrointestinal
shellfish poisoning is characterized by nausea, vomiting, abdominal
pain, weakness and diarrhea. The onset of symptoms generally ocours
8-12 h following ingestion of the offending mollusc. This type of
intoxication is caused by bacterial pathogens, and is usually limited to
gastrointestinal signs and symptoms. It rarely persists for more than
48 h.
Halstead (196566) calls the second type Erythematous shellJish
poisoning. It is more commonly known as allergic shellfish poisoning.
It is characterized by an allergic response, which may vary from one
individual to another. The onset of symptoms and signs occurs 30 min
to 6 h after ingestion of the mollusc to which the individual is sensitive.
The usual presenting signs and symptoms are diffuse erythema, swelling,
urticaria and pruritus involving the head and neck, and then spreading
to the body. Headache, flushing, epigastric distress and nausea are
occrnional complaints. In the more severe cases, generalized edema,
severe pruritus, swelling of the tongue and throat, respiratory distress
and vomiting sometimes occur. Death is rare but persons with a known
sensitivity to shellfish should avoid eating all molluscs. The sensitizing
protein appears more capable of provoking a serious autopharmacological response than most known sensitizing proteins.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning is known variously as gonyaulax
poisoning, paresthetic shellfish poisoning, mussel poisoning, or mytilointoxication. Pathognomonic symptoms develop within the first
30 min following ingestion of the offending mollusc. Parasthesia,
described as tingling, burning or numbness is noted first about the
mouth, lips and tongue ; it then spreads over the face, scalp and neck,
and to the finger tips and toes. Sensory perception and proprioception
usually minimal immediately following the injury but may develop
6-12 h later. Localized pruritus sometimes occurs over the edematous
area. " Light-headedness " of several hours duration was reported in
both cases observed by us ; there were no other systemic symptoms or
signs in these two cases. The wounds healed slowly.
In the case reported by Flecker and Cotton (1955), the patient
complained of dryness in the mouth and difficulty in breathing following the bite, but no localized or generalized pain. Subsequently,
breathing became more labored, swallowing became difEcult and the
patient began to vomit. Severe respiratory distress and cyanosis
developed, and the victim expired. The findings at autopsy were
negative.
3. ShellJish poisoning
Three types of shellfish poisoning are recognized. Gastrointestinal
shellfish poisoning is characterized by nausea, vomiting, abdominal
pain, weakness and diarrhea. The onset of symptoms generally ocours
8-12 h following ingestion of the offending mollusc. This type of
intoxication is caused by bacterial pathogens, and is usually limited to
gastrointestinal signs and symptoms. It rarely persists for more than
48 h.
Halstead (196566) calls the second type Erythematous shellJish
poisoning. It is more commonly known as allergic shellfish poisoning.
It is characterized by an allergic response, which may vary from one
individual to another. The onset of symptoms and signs occurs 30 min
to 6 h after ingestion of the mollusc to which the individual is sensitive.
The usual presenting signs and symptoms are diffuse erythema, swelling,
urticaria and pruritus involving the head and neck, and then spreading
to the body. Headache, flushing, epigastric distress and nausea are
occrnional complaints. In the more severe cases, generalized edema,
severe pruritus, swelling of the tongue and throat, respiratory distress
and vomiting sometimes occur. Death is rare but persons with a known
sensitivity to shellfish should avoid eating all molluscs. The sensitizing
protein appears more capable of provoking a serious autopharmacological response than most known sensitizing proteins.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning is known variously as gonyaulax
poisoning, paresthetic shellfish poisoning, mussel poisoning, or mytilointoxication. Pathognomonic symptoms develop within the first
30 min following ingestion of the offending mollusc. Parasthesia,
described as tingling, burning or numbness is noted first about the
mouth, lips and tongue ; it then spreads over the face, scalp and neck,
and to the finger tips and toes. Sensory perception and proprioception