Phycotoxin‐related shellfish poisoning: Bivalve molluscs are not the only vectors

Abstract

The continuing increase in numbers of toxic algal species coupled with increased incidences of blooms of these species presents a constant threat to public health worldwide. Traditionally, only filter‐feeding molluscs that concentrate these toxic algae are considered in monitoring programs for paralytic (PSP), diarrhetic (DSP), neurotoxic (NSP), and amnesic (ASP) shellfish poisons; however, increasing attention is being paid to higher‐order consumers such as carnivorous gastropods and crustaceans. This review summarizes data on accumulation of phycotoxins by “non‐target”; species frequently consumed by humans, and stresses the importance of including such species in routine monitoring programs, especially in regions where nontraditional spedes are being harvested.

Key words:

• phycotoxins
• shellfish
• molluscs
• crustaceans
• PSP
• NSP
• ASP
• DSP
• public health