Debromoaplysiatoxin as the Causative Agent of Dermatitis in a Dog after Exposure to Freshwater in California

Abstract

Contamination of recreational waters with cyanobacterial toxins continues to increase and presents a risk to animals and humans. Although cases of acute hepato- and neurotoxicoses in dogs following cyanotoxin exposure exist, no reports of skin-related reactions in dogs exist. A 5-year-old female spayed 34 kg Bracco Italiano was initially presented for rapid onset of severe pruritus and urticaria. Marked excoriation and erythema were noted over the chest and neck, while urticaria was noted in the inguinal regions and ventral abdomen. Initial basic dermatology work-up excluded parasitic, fungal, and bacterial organisms. Due to the severity and progression of urticaria, the dog received IV dexamethasone and IM diphenhydramine. Improvement of the urticaria and the dog’s clinical status was noted over the next 45 min. Assessment of the dog’s environment revealed access to a lake on the property with visible algal bloom. Water from the lake was submitted for toxicology testing and revealed the presence of debromoaplysiatoxin. Access to the lake was discontinued and follow-up evaluation over the next few weeks revealed a complete resolution of the skin irritation. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report of debromoaplysiatoxin exposure in a dog after swimming in cyanobacteria-contaminated water. Veterinarians should recognize the potential harm that contaminated waters may cause in terms of dermal, hepatic, and neurological conditions. In addition, more prudent oversight of contaminated recreational waters is recommended for animals and humans to prevent adverse events and intoxications.

Integrative monitoring strategy for marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and toxins across the freshwater‐to‐marine continuum

“…Dissolved MCs can be bioconcentrated by shellfish (Gibble et al, 2016) indicating that, even in the dissolved phase, cyanotoxins pose a health risk. Similarly, contact exposure to cylindrospermopsin (Moreira et al, 2013) and lyngbyatoxins or related compounds (Puschner et al, 2017) have been documented in recreational waters.…”

Understanding the Risks of Diffusion of Cyanobacteria Toxins in Rivers, Lakes, and Potable Water

“…Aplysiatoxin and debromoaplysiatoxin (compounds 15 and 16 in Figure 4 ) are lipophilic toxins made by the fungi Lyngbya majuscula , Lyngbya sordida , and Schizothrix [ 194 , 195 , 196 , 197 ].…”

“…Additionally, it has been discovered that they possess mutagenic and carcinogenic qualities, raising the risk of cancer. These poisons can be consumed through contact with contaminated water while engaging in recreational activities [ 196 , 197 , 198 , 199 ].…”

“…Aplysiatoxin and debromoaplysiatoxin (compounds 15 and 16 in Figure 4) are lipophilic toxins made by the fungi Lyngbya majuscula, Lyngbya sordida, and Schizothrix [194][195][196][197]. It is well known that these poisons are highly poisonous and can have various adverse health impacts on people and animals [190].…”

Status, Trends, and Drivers of Harmful Algal Blooms Along the Freshwater-to-Marine Gradient in the San Francisco Bay–Delta System

“…This compound and its derivatives and related toxins (aplysiatoxin, debromoaplysiatoxin) are alkaloids that most commonly cause contact dermatitis ("swimmer's itch"), although ingestion can also lead to gastrointestinal irritation and food poisoninglike symptoms (Jiang et al 2014). This toxin is primarily marine, associated with benthic cyanobacteria, but at least one case of contact dermatitis in a dog exposed to Lyngbya in California lake waters has been reported, with the causative toxin identified as debromoaplysiatoxin (Puschner et al 2017). These compounds have not specifically been identified in the estuary system.…”