Clinical Marine Toxicology: A European Perspective for Clinical Toxicologists and Poison Centers

Abstract

Clinical marine toxicology is a rapidly changing area. Many of the new discoveries reported every year in Europe involve ecological disturbances—including global warming—that have induced modifications in the chorology, behavior, and toxicity of many species of venomous or poisonous aquatic life including algae, ascidians, fish and shellfish. These changes have raised a number of public issues associated, e.g., poisoning after ingestion of contaminated seafood, envenomation by fish stings, and exposure to harmful microorganism blooms. The purpose of this review of medical and scientific literature in marine toxicology is to highlight the growing challenges induced by ecological disturbances that confront clinical toxicologists during the everyday job in the European Poison Centers.

South African Marine Envenomations and Poisonings as Managed Telephonically by the Tygerberg Poisons Information Centre: A 20-Year Retrospective Review

“…Despite considerable underreporting, this number will likely rise in the future as a result of global warming, global trade, the internet, and the increase in popularity of eating exotic seafood. 7,8 Adult males were significantly more likely to be involved in marine envenomation, and this is similar to previous findings. 9,10 Most participants in water-related sports, such as diving, surfing, and fishing, are men, and they are thus more frequently exposed to potentially dangerous marine hazards.…”

“…One contributing factor is the global trade in exotic foods, which has given rise to the occurrence of instances of tropical food poisoning, such as ciguatera and tetrodotoxism, outside endemic areas. 2 Seafood restaurants, especially those specializing in sushi, are becoming extremely popular in South Africa, and the potential risk of poisoning has also increased.…”

To Pee, or Not to Pee: A Review on Envenomation and Treatment in European Jellyfish Species

“…The threat of climate change could also facilitate a change in the geographic distribution of species, as well as their physiology and toxicity. The El Niño effect in Florida, which increases the water temperature, led to an increased length of tentacles in A. aurita and subsequently increased the ability of envenomation [ 43 , 62 ]. Events such as the findings from the El Niño portray how environmental factors may play a large role in the toxicity of species and why species can vary due to localities they inhabit.…”

Raising Awareness on the Clinical and Forensic Aspects of Jellyfish Stings: A Worldwide Increasing Threat

“…Although most species live in tropical and temperate waters, they can also be found in cold marine environments. It is known that jellyfish populations go through major oscillations every 20 years [ 2 ], and their numbers have been increasing globally in recent years, with more geographical areas affected and an increased number of outbreaks [ 3 ]. The causes of the current population surge are yet to be clarified, however, global warming-induced warmer marine water temperatures, overfishing of natural predators and industrialization seem to play a role [ 4 ].…”