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Neurobehavioral effects of harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins: A critical review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 May 2005

MELISSA A. FRIEDMAN  and
BONNIE E. LEVIN
MELISSA A. FRIEDMAN
Affiliation:
The NIEHS Marine and Freshwater Biomedical Sciences Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Florida Department of Neurology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida Dr. Friedman is now affiliated with Carlos Albizu University, Miami, Florida 33172
BONNIE E. LEVIN
Affiliation:
The NIEHS Marine and Freshwater Biomedical Sciences Center, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Florida Department of Neurology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida
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Abstract

Human exposure to naturally occurring marine toxins has been associated with a range of neurobehavioral abnormalities. The toxins are produced by harmful algal blooms (HABs) and are typically contracted through seafood consumption. The primary target of many of the HAB toxins is the neurologic system, and the neurobehavioral symptoms associated with the HAB illnesses have influenced public health policy. The HAB-related illnesses most frequently linked to neuropsychological disturbance are Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning, Ciguatera Fish Poisoning, and Possible Estuarine Associated Syndrome, which is associated with exposure to the Pfiesteria piscicida organism. Although the neurophysiologic mechanisms underlying many of the HAB illnesses have been well delineated, the literature examining the neuropsychological impairments is unclear and needs to be defined. This review is intended to introduce an emerging area of study linking HAB illnesses with neuropsychological changes. (JINS, 2005, 11, 331–338.)

Keywords

Marine toxinsNeurotoxinsNeuropsychologyPfiesteria piscicidaCiguatera poisoningAmnesic shellfish poisoningDomoic acid“Deliriumdementiaamnesticcognitive disorders”
Type
CRITICAL REVIEW
Information
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society , Volume 11 , Issue 3 , May 2005 , pp. 331 - 338
Copyright
© 2005 The International Neuropsychological Society

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