Aquarism: An Innocent Leisure Activity?

Bernasconi, Maurizio; Berger, David; Tamm, M; Stolz, Daiana

doi:10.1159/000338789

Cited by 14 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Similarly, although many marine aquarium hobbyists handled zoantharians for years without any documented PLTX-related poisonings, we strongly believe that complete information for the consumer are necessary. Considering the extremely high toxicity of some Palythoa species, the dermotoxicity of PLTXs and PLTX skin tumor promotion [ 84 , 85 ], we advise against handling Palythoa with bare hands, recommending the use of protective gloves, glasses, and a breathing mask [ 58 , 63 ]. Since disposable latex or nitrile gloves break easily in contact with sharp stone corals or rocks in aquaria, long robust rubber gloves with protection of the forearms are the most suitable ones.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…All the patients were discharged four days after the poisoning but lung function tests returned within the normal range only at the follow-up visit two weeks later. The soft coral tentatively responsible of the poisoning belonged to the genus Palythoa , but no chemical analyses were performed to confirm the presence of PLTX-like compounds [ 63 ].…”

Section: Human Poisonings Postulated To Pltx Exposure Through Handmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Palytoxin-Containing Aquarium Soft Corals as an Emerging Sanitary Problem

et al. 2016

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Palytoxin (PLTX), one the most potent marine toxins, and/or its analogs, have been identified in different marine organisms, such as Palythoa soft corals, Ostreopsis dinoflagellates, and Trichodesmium cyanobacteria. Although the main concern for human health is PLTXs entrance in the human food chain, there is growing evidence of adverse effects associated with inhalational, cutaneous, and/or ocular exposure to aquarium soft corals contaminated by PLTXs or aquaria waters. Indeed, the number of case reports describing human poisonings after handling these cnidarians is continuously increasing. In general, the signs and symptoms involve mainly the respiratory (rhinorrhea and coughing), skeletomuscular (myalgia, weakness, spasms), cardiovascular (electrocardiogram alterations), gastrointestinal (nausea), and nervous (paresthesia, ataxia, tremors) systems or apparates. The widespread phenomenon, the entity of the signs and symptoms of poisoning and the lack of control in the trade of corals as aquaria decorative elements led to consider these poisonings an emerging sanitary problem. This review summarizes literature data on human poisonings due to, or ascribed to, PLTX-containing soft corals, focusing on the different PLTX congeners identified in these organisms and their toxic potential.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Human Poisonings Postulated To Pltx Exposure Through Handmentioning

confidence: 99%

Palytoxin-Containing Aquarium Soft Corals as an Emerging Sanitary Problem

et al. 2016

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“…In another case of suspected palytoxin inhalation exposure in Virginia, the patient developed respiratory symptoms after pouring boiling water over the zoanthid coral [1], [2]. Common clinical presentations including fever and cough appear suddenly, from minutes to hours, after cleaning or destruction of coral with boiling water [3], [5], [6]. Upon examination patients were febrile, tachypneic, tachycardic, some had wheezing and laboratory investigation consistently revealed leukocytosis.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Upon examination patients were febrile, tachypneic, tachycardic, some had wheezing and laboratory investigation consistently revealed leukocytosis. In all cases treatment was supportive, such as corticosteroid [3], [5], [6]. Patients were admitted and supportive treatment was provided for mild to severe respiratory reactions [3], [5], [6].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Palytoxin-induced acute respiratory failure

Thakur

Jha

2017

Respiratory Medicine Case Reports

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Palytoxin is one of the most potent toxins known to mankind and poses a high risk to humans through ingestion, inhalation and dermal routes [1,2]. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown it is postulated that palytoxin binds to the Na+/K + ATPase pump resulting in K+ efflux, Ca2+ influx and membrane depolarization leading to widespread secondary pharmacological actions [2]. Palytoxin is highly toxic and can affect multiple organs causing severe symptoms including death. Palytoxin poisoning is mainly developed after ingesting seafood. We are reporting a case of suspected inhalational palytoxin poisoning in a healthy healthcare provider from who developed severe respiratory distress within 12 hours of exposure to vapors. We have highlighted diagnostic clues and clinical features in the patients' history that may help intensivists to diagnose a case of ARDS secondary to palytoxin poisoning.

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“…In recent literature, an increasing number of cases of home inhalational exposures have been reported [ 7 – 10 ]. The aerosolized toxin has affected entire families following exposure to Zoantharia coral in the home.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Case of Palytoxin Poisoning in a Home Aquarium Enthusiast and His Family

Hall

Levy

Sattler

2015

Case Reports in Emergency Medicine

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Inhalational exposure to palytoxin is an extremely rare cause of respiratory distress. This little-known marine toxin has the potential to cause significant morbidity and mortality. Toxicity has been best documented in cases of ingestion but has also been seen in cases of dermal exposure and inhalation of vapors. Palytoxin has been found in several coral species, some of which are favored by home aquarium enthusiasts and are commercially available. We report a case of a family who were exposed to the aerosolized toxin following the cleaning of a coral in their home aquarium. It is important that clinicians be aware of this source of toxic exposure to provide necessary care to these patients.

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Aquarism: An Innocent Leisure Activity?

Cited by 14 publications

References 12 publications

Palytoxin-Containing Aquarium Soft Corals as an Emerging Sanitary Problem

Palytoxin-Containing Aquarium Soft Corals as an Emerging Sanitary Problem

Palytoxin-induced acute respiratory failure

A Case of Palytoxin Poisoning in a Home Aquarium Enthusiast and His Family

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