Species of Aquatic Animals Associated With the Development of Haff Disease in Humans: A Literature Review

Abstract

Haff 's disease is a syndrome of myalgia and rhabdomyolysis in humans caused by a thermostable toxin of unknown origin present in the muscles and viscera of certain fish and crustaceans and may be associated with the process of aquatic bioaccumulation. The objective of this work is to gather all the vectors associated with Haff disease since its first report until the present moment, in order to better understand its occurrence, distribution and pathogenicity. In 1924, in the Baltic region, the first cases of the disease were recorded after consumption of the fish species Burbot (Lota lota), Eel (Anguilla anguilla) and Pike (Esox lucius). In 1984 in the United States of America, the disease was reported for the first time after consumption of fish of the species Buffalo fish (Ictiobus cyprinellus), Red crayfish (P rocambarus clark ii), Salmon (Salmo spp.), Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). In 1990, in Japan, cases of Haff Disease were reported after consumption of marine fish Boxfish (Ostracion immaculatus) and Roundbelly Cowfish (Lactoria diaphana). In China, in 2000, the first record of the syndrome associated with the consumption of red crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) was made, this species being the main pathogenic factor of Haff disease in China. In the country there are also reports of the occurrence of the disease through the ingestion of "Pomfret" (Colossoma brachypomum). In Brazil, the first cases were registered from 2007 after consumption of Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), Pacu (Mylossoma ssp.), Pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus), Arabaiana (Seriola spp.) and Whiting (Mycteroperca spp.). There is no antitoxin for poisoning by Haff disease, treatment is carried out by relieving symptoms and treating complications, which further demonstrates the importance of studies that seek to deepen knowledge about the toxin and its mechanism of action both in fish as in humans.