Paralytic Toxin Producing Dinoflagellates in Latin America: Ecology and Physiology

Abstract

In this review we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding taxonomy, bloom dynamics, toxicity, autoecology, and trophic interactions, of saxitoxin producing dinoflagellates in this region. The dinoflagellates Gymnodinium catenatum, Pyrodinium bahamense and several species of Alexandrium are saxitoxin producers, and have been responsible of paralytic shellfish poisoning in different regions of Latin America, causing intoxications and important fisheries losses. The species distribution differ; most harmful algal blooms of G. catenatum are from the northern region, however this species has also been reported in central and southern regions. Blooms of P. bahamense are mostly reported in North and Central America, while blooms of Alexandrium species are more common in South America, however this genus is widely spread in Latin America. Species and regional differences are contrasted, with the aim to contribute to future guidelines for an international scientific approach for research and monitoring activities that are needed to increase our understanding of paralytic toxin producing dinoflagellates in this region.

Application of Six Detection Methods for Analysis of Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in Shellfish from Four Regions within Latin America

“…Other hydrophobic congeners are also known to exist, most notably in bivalves exposed to Gymnodinium catenatum [7], including those from South America [8]. Occurrences of PSP-producing harmful algal blooms have been recognised along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Latin America (LA) for many years [9][10][11][12][13][14]. In Argentina, Gymnodinium catenatum was initially recorded in 1961-62 around Mar del Plata [15] and currently occurs in the northern regions of the country.…”

“…In Argentina, Gymnodinium catenatum was initially recorded in 1961-62 around Mar del Plata [15] and currently occurs in the northern regions of the country. Alexandrium catenella (formerly A. tamarense) was identified as the cause of Occurrences of PSP-producing harmful algal blooms have been recognised along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Latin America (LA) for many years [9][10][11][12][13][14]. In Argentina, Gymnodinium catenatum was initially recorded in 1961-1962 around Mar del Plata [15] and currently occurs in the northern regions of the country.…”

Paralytic and Amnesic Shellfish Toxins Impacts on Seabirds, Analyses and Management

“…have been documented in North America and Europe, usually where piscivorous birds consumed contaminated fish [ 29 , 37 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 ]. In a review by Band-Schmidt et al [ 61 ] about the taxonomy, bloom dynamics, toxicity, autoecology, and trophic interactions of PSTs producing dinoflagellates in Latin America—some episodes in which seabirds were affected are mentioned. Potentially, any species is susceptible to this harm if exposed to high concentrations through the food chain [ 17 ].…”

Cheese-Algae Interactions

“…Diarrheic shellfish poisoning is caused by okadaic acids produced by a variety of algae, most notably Dinophysis species. Toxins produced by Gymnodinium breve cause neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (Band-Schmidt et al,2019).…”