Paralytic shellfish poisoning: a potential public health problem

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is a serious illness in which neurological symptoms predominate. Recovery is usually complete and uncomplicated, but in severe cases there may be respiratory paralysis and death. Most cases follow consumption of bivalve molluscs that have filter-fed on toxic marine microalgae (phytoplankton). Microalgae capable of causing the intoxication have been recorded in all States of Australia, and major toxic blooms have occurred in Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia.