title: Potential Threats Posed by Tetrodotoxins in UK Waters: Examination of Detection Methodology Used in Their Control.
abstract: Tetrodotoxin is a neurotoxin responsible for many human fatalities, most commonly following the consumption of pufferfish. Whilst the source of the toxin has not been conclusively proven, it is thought to be associated with various species of marine bacteria. Whilst the toxins are well studied in fish and gastropods, in recent years, there have been a number of reports of tetrodotoxin occurring in bivalve shellfish, including those harvested from the UK and other parts of Europe. This paper reviews evidence concerning the prevalence of tetrodotoxins in the UK together with methodologies currently available for testing. Biological, biomolecular and chemical methods are reviewed, including recommendations for further work. With the recent development of quantitative chromatographic methods for these and other hydrophilic toxins, as well as the commercial availability of rapid testing kits, there are a number of options available to ensure consumers are protected against this threat.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK. Andrew.turner@cefas.co.uk.
authors.forename: Andrew D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.affiliation: Agri-food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Newforge Lane, Belfast BT9 5PX, UK. cowan_higgins@msn.com.
authors.forename: Cowan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, The Nothe, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK. Wendy.higman@cefas.co.uk.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Higman
authors.affiliation: Pacific Laboratory Northwest, United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), 22201 23rd Dr, S.E., Bothell, WA 98021, USA. James.hungerford@fda.hhs.gov.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hungerford
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002845:Chromatography / Q000379:methods; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008387:Marine Toxins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D012758:Shellfish / Q000032:analysis; D057096:Shellfish Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control; D023721:Tetraodontiformes; D013779:Tetrodotoxin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D008387:Marine Toxins; D013779:Tetrodotoxin
keywords: TTX; pufferfish poisoning; shellfish; tetrodotoxins