Non-bacterial toxins and food-poisoning

Food poisoning: defined as disease due to food borne pathogen.

Bean haemagglutinins: toxin present in red kidney beans. Toxin “dies” if beans cooked properly ≫ if not cooked, toxins entering body will cause diarrhea. Only 5-6 beans needed for this to happen.

Scrombrotoxin: present in spoilage of fish. It can cause headache, flushing, urticarial rash, swelling tingling of lips.

Shellfish poisoning: shellfish produce toxin ≫ diarrhea.

Ciguatera poisoning: Ciguatera toxin is present in dinoflagellates. These are consumed by large fish ≫ which, in turn, are consumed by humans. Ciguatera is a neurotoxin.

Cyanobacterial toxins: produced by blue-green algae. Produce diarrhea, vomiting if ingested.

Category: Microbiology Notes